Brendan Murphy, CFA, Finance Expert in London, United Kingdom
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Brendan Murphy, CFA

Verified Expert  in Finance

Finance Expert

Location
London, United Kingdom
Toptal Member Since
January 12, 2021

Brendan is a versatile finance specialist—having held both senior corporate finance and investment professional roles—with a deal portfolio exceeding £600 million. During his career, he has worked for the largest bank in Africa as well as private market investors and has accumulated experience in the technology, consumer, and real estate sectors. Brendan freelances to leverage his experience in financial modeling, due diligence, market research, financial analysis, and fundraising.

Investment AnalysisFinancial ForecastingFinancial WriterInvestment StrategyFintech ConsultantDue Diligence ConsultantValuationFinancial ModelingRevenue & Expense ProjectionsProfitability AnalysisChartered Financial Analyst (CFA)Equity ResearchFundraisingVenture CapitalCFOAsset Management ConsultingPayroll

Career Highlights

Consultant
Private
Senior Investment Analyst
AltaOne Capital
Interim CFO
Standard Bank Group

Education Highlights

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
London Business School

Certification Highlights

CFA
CFA Institute

Case Studies

Work Experience

CFO

2022 - PRESENT
Prosper
  • Handled financial reporting, KPI tracking and board reporting, FCA application and monthly submissions, fundraising, establishing the financial stack, and financial planning and modeling.
  • Drove Prosper's private market offering spanning private equity, private credit, venture capital, and other alternative investment funds.
  • Spearheaded M&A efforts to acquire complementary businesses and high-value customer books.
Focus areas: Fundraising, Forecasting, P&L Management, Private Capital Markets, Public Markets, Cash Management, Strategy, Financial Reporting, Regulatory Reporting, Budget Modeling, Profit & Loss (P&L), CFO, Internal Financial Reporting, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI

Consultant

2020 - PRESENT
Private
  • Advised a European direct-to-consumer startup on their £5 million Series A financing.
  • Conducted market research and developed financial models for an investor looking to enter the UK's early-years education sector.
  • Coordinated and sourced investors for the $4.5 million growth equity round for a leading telehealth company based in Australasia.
  • Produced the pitch deck and financial model for the seed fundraising of a sustainability-focused asset management platform.
  • Developed a financial model for the vetting of solar PV projects by a renewable energy construction company interested in providing equity financing for its projects.
  • Advised and produced investor documents for a sustainability consultant marketplace and expert network on their seed fundraising.
  • Advised and produced investor documents for a car subscription startup on their Series A funding round.
  • Built the financial model for a startup pension business in the UK.
  • Developed an integrated financial model for a startup in the UK care sector and advised the founder on fundraising strategy and investor materials.
  • Mentored founder of early-stage Hospitality Tech startup on fundraising and go-to-market strategy.
Focus areas: Venture Capital, Technology, Revenue & Expense Projections, Due Diligence, Financial Analysis, Digital Health, Finance Strategy, Healthcare, Capital Raising, Fundraising Consultant, Startup Funding, Startups, Alternative Investments, Business Advisory, Business Analysis, Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Financial Advisory, Business Planning, For-profit Education, K-12 Education, Direct to Consumer (D2C), Renewable Energy, Early-stage Venture Capital, Early-stage Funding, Early-stage Startups, Market Research, Financial Modeling, Fundraising, eCommerce, eCommerce Platforms, Product-market Fit, Business Strategy, Agriculture, B2C, Acquisitions, M&A (Buy-side), Financing, Pitch Decks, Business Plan Consulting, Investments, Excel 2016, Tableau, Market Sizing, Strategic Planning, Three-statement Modeling, Business Models, Cross-border M&A, Pitch Deck Consultant, Project Finance, Clean Energy, Investor Presentations, Seed Fundraising, Due Diligence Consultant, Profitability Analysis, Information Technology, TMT, On-demand Services, Food & Beverage, Exit Strategy, High-tech Startups, Freelancing, Family Office, Trading, M&A Modeling, Shareholders' Agreement (JVA), Investment Strategy, Term Sheet Advisory, Deal Review, Deal Structuring, M&A Earn-out Agreements, Go-to-market Strategy, Fintech Consultant, Go-to-market Plans, Fintech, Online Payments, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Forecasting, Forecasting, Cap Tables, DCF Modeling, Scenario Analysis, Investment Analysis, Private Equity Secondaries, Private Placements, Growth Equity, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Consumer Banking, Neobanks, Financial Writer, Fundraising Strategy, Stock Trading, Stock Price Analysis, Investor Reporting, Public Companies, CFO, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Investment Research, Finance Blog, Investment Funds, Budget Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling, Foreign Exchange, ROI, Tax Technology

Fundraising Consultant

2023 - 2023
Pierre Costin
  • Directed the design team in compiling the visual presentation to showcase the company to investors.
  • Guided the founder in mapping out the company's most effective fundraising strategy and sequencing, leveraging my VC investor background.
  • Utilized my financial modeling expertise to create the financial model that served as the foundation for the seed fundraise.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Fundraising, Pitch Decks, Investment Funds, Budget Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI

Financial Modeling and Market Research Expert

2023 - 2023
Rochelle Knowles
  • Built the financial model to support the business' first round of funding.
  • Advised the founder on the optimal fundraising strategy for the business.
  • Crafted the fundraising pitch and oversaw the compilation of the pitch deck.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Market Research, Forecasting, Fundraising, Revenue & Expense Projections, Wellness, Restaurants & Dining, Investment Funds, Budget Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI

Cap Table Advisor

2023 - 2023
Spherene AG
  • Rebuilt the company's financial model to prepare for its Series A fundraising.
  • Advised the CEO on fundraising strategy and how best to clean up the cap table.
  • Assisted another Toptal talent with the design of the pricing model.
Focus areas: Venture Capital, Decision Support, Cap Tables, Valuation, Switzerland, Structuring, Series A, Startups, Fundraising Strategy, Investor Reporting, Investment Funds, Budget Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI

Fundraising and Financial Modeling Expert

2022 - 2022
Minot Point Advisors LLC
  • Built an integrated financial model for a UK-based community-driven banking startup.
  • Developed an integrated model for a global payments platform.
  • Advised the client on market sizing and fundraising strategy.
Focus areas: Financial Modeling, Fundraising, Three-statement Modeling, Fintech, Investment Analysis, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Consumer Banking, Neobanks, Financial Writer, Venture Capital, Fundraising Strategy, Investor Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Investment Funds, Budget Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI

Senior Investment Analyst

2019 - 2020
AltaOne Capital
  • Performed deep-dive market research; engaged with industry experts; screened public companies; and analyzed potential targets.
  • Built detailed financial statement, operating, valuation, and LBO models; conducted management interviews; carried out competitor benchmarking; and verified major contracts and IP documents.
  • Pitched leveraged buyout transactions to co-investors and banks and assisted with seller negotiations and closing process.
  • Led the analysis of the acquisition of Silae, a French Payroll SaaS publisher, acquired with Silver Lake in July 2020.
  • Monitored the investment in Cegid Group, a French cloud-based business management software provider originally acquired for £540 million in 2016.
Focus areas: Venture Capital, Technology, Revenue & Expense Projections, Asset Management, Due Diligence, Capital Raising, Three-statement Modeling, Negotiation, M&A (Buy-side), Market Research, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Valuation, Leveraged Buyout (LBO), Leveraged Buyout Modeling, SMB Software, Payroll & Benefits, Tax Software, Accounting Software, Enterprise SaaS, SaaS, Software, Investing, Growth, Private Equity, Fashion, Product-market Fit, Business Strategy, Startups, B2C, Acquisitions, Finance Strategy, Financing, Pitch Decks, Business Plan Consulting, Investments, Excel 2016, Tableau, Market Sizing, Strategic Planning, Business Models, Cross-border M&A, Investor Presentations, Due Diligence Consultant, Profitability Analysis, Information Technology, TMT, Exit Strategy, High-tech Startups, Family Office, Trading, M&A Modeling, Shareholders' Agreement (JVA), Investment Strategy, Term Sheet Advisory, Deal Review, Deal Structuring, M&A Earn-out Agreements, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Forecasting, Forecasting, DCF Modeling, Scenario Analysis, Investment Analysis, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Equity Research, Research, Stock Analysis, Stock Market, Equity Markets, Financial Writer, Stock Trading, Stock Price Analysis, Investor Reporting, Public Companies, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Investment Research, Investment Funds, Budget Modeling, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI, Tax Technology

Investor

2019 - 2019
Concentric
  • Evaluated pitches, met with founders, and conducted due diligence on potential investments.
  • Generated unique insights through research deep dives into various technology sectors and verticals.
  • Involved in key transactions including Wheely (£12 million Series B), Airsorted (£1.3 million Series A), and DueDil (£1 million Series C).
  • Supported portfolio companies with competitor analysis, GTM strategy development, and exit opportunity analysis.
Focus areas: Technology, Revenue & Expense Projections, Asset Management, Due Diligence, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Ride-hailing, Startup Accelerators, Series B, Series A, Seed Fundraising, Fintech, Blockchain, Direct to Consumer (D2C), Insurance Technology (Insurtech), Consumer Marketplaces, Marketplaces, Venture Capital, Early-stage Venture Capital, Early-stage Startups, eCommerce, eCommerce Platforms, SaaS, Product-market Fit, Business Strategy, Startups, B2C, Acquisitions, M&A (Buy-side), Finance Strategy, Financing, Pitch Decks, Business Plan Consulting, Investments, Excel 2016, Market Sizing, Strategic Planning, Three-statement Modeling, Business Models, Cross-border M&A, Investor Presentations, Due Diligence Consultant, Profitability Analysis, Information Technology, TMT, On-demand Services, Food & Beverage, Exit Strategy, High-tech Startups, Family Office, Trading, Shareholders' Agreement (JVA), Investment Strategy, Term Sheet Advisory, Deal Review, Deal Structuring, Latin America (LATAM), Go-to-market Strategy, Fintech Consultant, Go-to-market Plans, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Forecasting, Forecasting, Travel, Tourism, Cap Tables, DCF Modeling, Scenario Analysis, Investment Analysis, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Consumer Banking, Neobanks, Financial Writer, Stock Trading, Stock Price Analysis, Public Companies, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Investment Research, Investment Funds, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI, Tax Technology

Portfolio Manager

2017 - 2018
Standard Bank Group
  • Managed 99 multi-asset portfolios consisting of individual stocks, equity and bond funds, and cash on a discretionary basis for family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and small pension funds.
  • Generated new business growth of 27.2% from February 2017 to February 2018.
  • Delivered equity alpha of 0.8% per annum as a member of the investment committee.
Focus areas: Technology, Revenue & Expense Projections, Asset Management, Financial Modeling, Healthcare, Capital Raising, Wealth Management, Taxation, Client Management, Pitch Presentations, New Business Development, Stock Analysis, Portfolio Management, Equity Investment, Financial Analysis, eCommerce, Fashion, eCommerce Platforms, SaaS, B2C, Acquisitions, M&A (Buy-side), Finance Strategy, Financing, Investments, Excel 2016, Market Sizing, Three-statement Modeling, Business Models, Cross-border M&A, Investor Presentations, Due Diligence Consultant, Profitability Analysis, Information Technology, Food & Beverage, Family Office, Trading, M&A Modeling, Investment Strategy, Deal Review, Fintech Consultant, Travel, Tourism, DCF Modeling, Scenario Analysis, Investment Analysis, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Portfolio Analysis, Equity Research, Portfolios, Research, Stock Market, Equity Markets, Financial Writer, Stock Trading, Stock Price Analysis, Investor Reporting, Public Companies, Fund Management, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Investment Research, Investment Funds, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI

Research Analyst

2015 - 2016
Standard Bank Group
  • Produced stock selection alpha for clients in the following sectors of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange: FMCG, +7.0% p.a.; Telecommunications, +12.3% p.a.; and Industrials, +5.9% p.a.
  • Evaluated investment opportunities using proprietary industry and company analysis, information gathered from meetings with company management, industry experts, sell-side brokers, as well as my own valuations.
  • Built detailed forecast, financial statement, and valuation models (price and value multiples, sum-of-the-parts, and DCF valuation) for the stocks in the above sectors.
Focus areas: Technology, Revenue & Expense Projections, Asset Management, Due Diligence, Primary Research, Investment Summaries, DCF Valuation, Industrials, Telecommunications, FMCG, Market Research, Company Research, Financial Modeling, Valuation, Stock Analysis, Financial Analysis, Equity Investment, eCommerce, Fashion, eCommerce Platforms, SaaS, Agriculture, B2C, Acquisitions, Finance Strategy, Financing, Investments, Excel 2016, Market Sizing, Three-statement Modeling, Business Models, Cross-border M&A, Investor Presentations, Due Diligence Consultant, Profitability Analysis, Information Technology, TMT, Food & Beverage, Trading, M&A Modeling, Deal Review, Fintech Consultant, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Forecasting, Forecasting, Travel, Tourism, DCF Modeling, Scenario Analysis, Investment Analysis, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Portfolio Analysis, Equity Research, Research, Stock Market, Equity Markets, Financial Writer, Stock Trading, Public Companies, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Investment Research, Cash Flow Modeling, Value at Risk, ROI

Interim CFO

2015 - 2015
Standard Bank Group
  • Prepared and presented monthly financials, developed and monitored budgets, and submitted tax returns.
  • Drafted balance sheet substantiation policy documents and implemented foreign exchange accounting procedures, which released an $18 million negative reserve.
  • Improved internal processes and conducted training on finance software and general finance topics.
Focus areas: Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Finance Strategy, Interim CFO, Foreign Exchange (FX) Hedging, Accounting, Training & Training Content Development, Training, Accounting Policy, Taxation, Tax Returns, Budgeting, Management Accounting, Corporate Finance, Business Strategy, Financing, Business Plan Consulting, Excel 2016, Business Models, Investor Presentations, Profitability Analysis, CFO, Trading, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Forecasting, Forecasting, DCF Modeling, Stock Trading, Stock Price Analysis, Investor Reporting, Public Companies, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Budget Modeling, Profit & Loss (P&L), Internal Financial Reporting, Cash Flow Modeling, ROI

Accountant

2014 - 2015
Standard Bank Group
  • Controlled daily profit and loss reporting, prepared annual financial statements, and submitted tax returns.
  • Managed the group financial reporting and budgeting processes for operations in DRC, Lesotho, Mauritius, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.
  • Evaluated prospective property finance deals based on company credit evaluations and cash flow serviceability models.
Focus areas: Revenue & Expense Projections, Financial Analysis, Financial Modeling, Finance Strategy, Budgeting, Real Estate, Credit Evaluation, Business Intelligence (BI), Management Information, Tax Returns, Financial Statements, Auditing, Taxation, Accounting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Financing, Business Plan Consulting, Excel 2016, Business Models, Investor Presentations, Profitability Analysis, Trading, Cash Flow, Cash Flow Forecasting, Forecasting, Stock Trading, Stock Price Analysis, Public Companies, Budget Modeling, Profit & Loss (P&L), CFO, Internal Financial Reporting, Cash Flow Modeling, Value at Risk, ROI
2018 - 2020

Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance

London Business School - London, England

2013 - 2013

Master's Degree in Accounting

University of Cape Town - Cape Town, South Africa

2009 - 2012

Bachelor's Degree in Finance

University of Cape Town - Cape Town, South Africa

AUGUST 2020 - PRESENT

CFA

CFA Institute

DECEMBER 2016 - PRESENT

Chartered Accountant

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants

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