Asoko Insight
Asoko Insight is a London-based corporate data and research firm focused on Africa's private sector, founded by Rob Withagen and Greg Cohen.
Profile
Provides corporate data and research services for businesses and investors operating in African markets.
Asoko Insight is a London-based corporate data and research firm focused on Africa's private sector, founded by Rob Withagen and Greg Cohen. Withagen, previously with Oxford Business Group, brought emerging markets expertise, while Cohen added editorial and research management experience. The company operates with a team of 50+ staff across Africa, providing bespoke research, digital engagement platforms, and compliance support for investors and multinationals operating in African markets.
Their services include custom market mapping, corporate record retrieval, and direct engagement with African executives. Asoko has positioned itself as a bridge between African companies and global investors, notably through its Deal Room platform for funding facilitation. The firm counts development banks, private equity funds, and consulting firms among its clients, though specific revenue figures remain undisclosed. Recent operations show a focus on expanding digital engagement capabilities and compliance services across 25+ African countries.
Who buys this
- Private equity firms investing in African markets
- Multinational corporations expanding African operations
- Development finance institutions
- Management consulting firms
- Government trade and investment agencies
Publicly disclosed clients
- AfricInvest
- Emerging Capital Partners
- International Finance Corporation
- McKinsey & Company
- Standard Bank
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- On-the-ground research team across multiple African countries
- Proprietary database of African companies and executives
- Partnerships with local registrars for document verification
Watch for
- Reliance on project-based work rather than recurring revenue streams
- Competition from larger global research firms expanding in Africa
- Operational complexity across multiple African jurisdictions
Key Information
- Founded
- 2014
- Headquarters
- London
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Asoko Insight do?
Asoko Insight provides corporate data and research services for businesses and investors in African markets. Their offerings include market mapping, executive engagement, and compliance support, backed by a 50+ person team across Africa. Clients include private equity firms, multinationals, and development banks seeking African market intelligence.
Who uses Asoko Insight's services?
Primary clients are private equity investors, multinational corporations, and development finance institutions operating in Africa. Management consultancies and government trade agencies also leverage their research. Notable users include AfricInvest, IFC, and McKinsey for African market entry, due diligence, and corporate data verification.
How does Asoko Insight gather African corporate data?
They combine on-the-ground research teams across 25+ African countries with proprietary databases and local registrar partnerships. This enables document verification, executive profiling, and real-time market insights. Their Deal Room platform also facilitates direct engagement between African companies and global investors.
What makes Asoko Insight different from other research firms?
Their focus is exclusively on Africa's private sector, with localized research teams and compliance expertise. Unlike global firms, they specialize in African corporate records and executive networks. However, they face competition from larger players expanding into African markets with similar offerings.
Can Asoko Insight help with African investment compliance?
Yes, they provide compliance support alongside research services, verifying corporate records and ownership structures. This assists investors navigating complex African regulatory environments. Their partnerships with local registrars enable document authentication, reducing due diligence risks for cross-border transactions.
Who founded Asoko Insight and what's their background?
Co-founders Rob Withagen (ex-Oxford Business Group) and Greg Cohen launched the firm, combining emerging markets expertise with research management. Withagen brought African market knowledge while Cohen contributed editorial operations experience. The London-based company now operates with teams across multiple African countries.
Sources
- www.asokoinsight.com — Founder backgrounds and team structure
- www.asokoinsight.com — Service offerings and client types
- www.asokoinsight.com — Deal facilitation platform details
- ci.linkedin.com — Staff roles and research operations