Bristol-based corporate finance boutique firm ICON has continued its international expansion with the appointment of a new head of emerging markets.
Edward Burbidge, pictured, right, with ICON CEO and founder Alan Bristow, has joined following 14 years as founder and CEO of I&M Burbidge Capital, a Kenya-based corporate finance advisory firm which provides mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and fundraising services across sub-Saharan Africa. 
He started his career in London with Equity Capital Markets (ECM) before moving to the Kenyan capital Nairobi in 2010 to found Burbidge Capital.
Six years later he sold a 65% stake to I&M Group, the leading East African Banking Group, and together grew the I&M Burbidge Capital business to become one of the most active investment banking firms in Africa below the Sahara.
Edward has led more than 50 successful investment banking mandates in Africa, primarily capital raising and M&A.
He has also played a key role in market development on the continent as well as in the early stages of capital flows from India to Africa. In recent years a lot of Edward’s focus has been on climate and social impact deals.
At ICON, Edward will lead the company’s strategic efforts in advising growing AfriTech and IndiaTech businesses on M&A and fundraising initiatives.
The African tech market has been a key area of interest for ICON for several years, including in collaboration with I&M Burbidge Capital, with the company having advised a number of AfriTech businesses on their successful and ongoing transactions.
ICON CEO and founder Alan Bristow said: ”We are thrilled to welcome Edward to the ICON team.
“His extensive AfriTech experience and deep understanding of emerging markets make him an invaluable addition as we continue to expand our international reach.
“Edward’s proven track record and passion for supporting growing businesses align perfectly with ICON’s mission to drive transformative deals globally.
“We look forward to the impact he will have in leading our efforts in the hugely exciting emerging markets, which are a hotbed for great tech.”
Edward added: “I am delighted to join ICON Corporate Finance at such an exciting time in its growth journey.
“ICON’s reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes for innovative businesses in the technology sector is outstanding, and I am so excited about having more impact in the role that technology deals are playing in exponentially increasing social and economic development across Africa and the emerging markets.
“These regions are brimming with opportunities, and I’m looking forward to helping entrepreneurs and institutions achieve their ambitions through strategic advice and impactful deals.”
ICON, which specialises in M&A and fundraising, was founded in 1999 by Alan Bristow.
It has since opened offices in London and San Francisco and closed more than 250 deals.
Tech sector specialisms across the international team include FinTech, cyber, AI, HealthTech, digital media, EnablingTech, enterprise software and managed services.
