Ali Al-Suhail, Finance Expert in London, United Kingdom
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Ali Al-Suhail

Verified Expert  in Finance

Finance Expert

Location
London, United Kingdom
Toptal Member Since
August 5, 2019

Ali has advised on equity transactions amounting to USD $3 billion involving startups, mid-market companies, and private equity firms in various industries including healthcare, retail, and telecom. He holds CFA and CAIA designations and is currently pursuing his MBA at London Business School. Ali joined Toptal to advise clients on matters relating to corporate finance, M&A, fundraising, and business analytics.

Financial ModelingMarket ResearchFinancial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)BudgetingMergers & Acquisitions (M&A)ValuationFundraisingFractional CFOStartup FundingFundraising ConsultantMarket SizingTransaction AdvisoryVenture Capital

Case Studies

Work Experience

Finance Expert

2020 - 2020
Middle East-based Accelerator (via Toptal)
  • Worked closely with the accelerator's startups to identify key metrics to track and created business plans to reflect the progression of those metrics.
  • Built complex financial models for each of the startups that helped founders better understand the financial aspects of their offerings.
  • Advised on the content and structure of the fundraising phase of the program.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Fundraising Consultant, Fundraising, Early-stage Startups, Startups

Finance Expert

2019 - 2020
Ojonimi Bako (via Toptal)
  • Built a path to revenue financial model for an online grocery business in Saudi Arabia.
  • Provided detailed market research on the online grocery landscape in the Middle East.
  • Provided recommendations on the best operating model to adopt including an analysis of each model's strengths and weaknesses.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling

Associate

2019 - 2019
DAI Capital
  • Led the investment analysis for a potential target in the EdTech space in West Africa; the analysis included a detailed investment memorandum, market research, and a financial model.
  • Managed the development of a services based joint venture concept in the real estate space focused on providing public services in West Africa.
  • Advised on the potential acquisition a financial services firm that operates across Africa.
  • Supported recruitment efforts and devised a training program for new joiners to the firm.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Venture Capital, Corporate, Social Impact, Startups, Africa

Venture Builder

2019 - 2019
Zero 1
  • Managed a US $2 million fundraising effort for a newly established startup in the insurance technology sector, which involved building pitch decks, market sizing, and identifying potential investors.
  • Built a detailed business plan and unit economics model as part of the fundraising process.
  • Led a number of strategic initiatives for one of the firm's ventures around financial reporting and KPI monitoring.
  • Developed a fintech startup concept within the personal finance space as a corporate venture.
  • Developed a fintech startup concept within the SME banking space.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Customer Lifetime Value, Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Operational Finance, Venture Funding, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Senior Associate, Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory

2016 - 2018
EY
  • Led day-to-day execution of M&A transactions across diversified industries in the MENA region.
  • Managed marketing of transactions, due diligence processes, financial model development, business plan analysis, and negotiations.
  • Identified significant value creation potential (US $10 million) through detailed valuation and business plan analysis for a telecom company on the acquisition of a US $80 million internet service provider.
  • Co-led the acquisition of an online fashion retail company by a large real estate group within a very tight timeline from identification to signing the sales and purchase agreement.
  • Devised and executed an acquisition strategy for a large healthcare conglomerate to establish an integrated healthcare platform in Saudi Arabia (approximate value of US $800 million) and co-led a subsequent primary capital raising engagement to fund further acquisitions.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Free Cash Flow (FCF), Funding Process, Fundraising, Fund Structure, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)

Associate, Valuation, and Business Modeling

2014 - 2016
EY
  • Built complex financial models and used a range of valuation techniques (income and market approaches) to provide business valuation advisory services to clients.
  • Executed the valuation of a US $200 million family office portfolio, focused on minority investments in high-risk countries such as Egypt and Yemen.
  • Prepared a feasibility study for a leading UAE-based holding company on establishing a water bottling company in Abu Dhabi; the study included interviews and visits to competitors' locations.
  • Managed the valuation of a US $500 million portfolio of a Saudi conglomerate as part of restructuring efforts by the company, resulting in EY being awarded an additional contract amounting to US $3 million.
  • Built a comprehensive business plan as part of a fundraising engagement for a leading infrastructure construction company in Kenya.
  • Collaborated with EY Ghana and a French technical advisor in preparing a feasibility study for the construction of a new airport city in Sierra Leone.
Focus areas: Transaction Modeling, Financial Modeling, Equity Valuation, DCF Valuation, Valuation Modeling, Valuation

Associate Auditor, Assurance

2012 - 2014
EY
  • Provided audit services to clients across multiple sectors including private equity, manufacturing, construction, financial services, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Developed process flowcharts for clients and provided management recommendations based on risks and gap analysis of each process.
  • Advised the CFO of a regional manufacturer on improving inventory and receivables controls resulting in US $100,000 of cost savings.
  • Served as the on-site audit team leader of a publicly listed company and presented the audit report to the audit committee and board of directors.
  • Developed an in-house management reporting package for a newly established joint venture.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Management, Audits, Control Audits
Image of Creating a Narrative from Numbers publication
Publication

Creating a Narrative from Numbers

https://www.toptal.com/finance/business-plan-consultants/business-plan-narrative
2018 - 2020

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurial Management and Private Equity

London Business School - London

2006 - 2011

Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics

American University of Sharjah - United Arab Emirates

JUNE 2016 - PRESENT

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

CFA Institute

JANUARY 2014 - PRESENT

Certified Alternative Investment Analyst

CAIA Association

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