Our people
12 July 2024
Ha-andza Young is creating real-world impact during a time of rapid technological evolution by delivering EdTech solutions and transactions as part of the Macquarie Capital team in Chicago.
For Ha-andza Young, a Vice President in Macquarie Capital’s Chicago office, the path to finance was not linear.
Born in South Africa, she came to the United States in 2005 to complete a BSc in Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University after receiving a scholarship for students coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. Following her undergraduate degree, she returned to South Africa and worked in offshore oil fields before returning to the US to complete her master’s in Petroleum Engineering at Stanford University.
Following Stanford, she worked for an energy company in the Central Valley of California before choosing to pursue her MBA at Yale University.
An internship with a global, boutique, financial services company took her to Chicago in 2018 and introduced her to the industry. While working as an associate covering the services and industrials sectors, she was attracted to the entrepreneurial nature of the work and the opportunity to advise corporations.
In 2022, Ha-andza joined Macquarie Capital’s Software and Services team which covers industries as varied as supply chain services, human capital management, e-commerce, PropTech, cybersecurity, marketing technology and more.
Macquarie’s global footprint was appealing, so was the opportunity to really carve out my own coverage space. I was thinking about longer-term growth and where my aspirations would fit strategically with a strong, well-established and highly reputable company.”
“Assessing a company from outside is a challenge for anyone exploring options, but after talking to a few of the team members in the Chicago office, Macquarie’s approach to leadership and transparency really resonated with me,” she says. “It’s still why I love working here today.”
Although her team works in many emerging areas of coverage, Ha-andza’s primary focus is on EdTech, collaborating closely with the London team on financial software projects as well.
“I really love the M&A process,” Ha-andza says. “Each step offers an opportunity for gratifying feedback, which provides the needed motivation to continue on, especially as processes can last for months. I also enjoy building relationships with our clients.”
“There is a lot of innovation in M&A advisory because no two clients or situations are the same. Deals have the same checkpoints or stages, from pitch to kick-off, creating marketing materials and modelling to contacting prospective investors all the way to consummating a deal, “Ha-andza explains. “But how you get to each step on a deal may be different.”
Due to the fast-paced nature of the job, Ha-andza believes that both adaptability and resiliency are crucial skills to have on both a business and personal level, especially when roadblocks arise during a deal. She notes that these qualities allow the team to push towards reaching a clear outcome, whether it’s communicating with investors, coaching clients or being aware of any interpersonal dynamics or factors that may pose a potential issue.
“Ultimately, we are a people business, and these stakeholders need thoughtfulness, respect and care in any process.”
Ha-andza is inspired by the myriad of opportunities within EdTech, including the measurable impact its solutions are having within our communities and the collective human desire to better a system that still provides the strongest pathway to upward socioeconomic mobility globally. She also finds the work of empowering clients to innovate and invest in this area rewarding.
In early 2024, Ha-andza was involved in a transaction in which Macquarie Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to Allovue, a leading provider of school financial planning, budgeting, and analytics software. Allovue was acquired by PowerSchool, a company that offers cloud-based software for K-12 education in North America.
She believes the deal demonstrates Macquarie’s commitment to supporting businesses that are driving impactful technology solutions for the education sector.
Equitable resource allocation for schools is an important issue that resonates with us.”
PowerSchool’s acquisition provides a platform for Allovue to increase its reach and impact for its solutions and opens up an opportunity to potentially help more school districts make the necessary, and often uncomfortable, decisions around resource allocations.”
Outside of her work, Ha-andza describes Macquarie’s culture as inclusive and transparent, an approach that she sees reflected throughout all levels.
Inclusivity and transparency mean the full deal team are included and have the opportunity to bring their ideas to the table on areas that they are taking the lead on.”
“We work as a team,” Ha-andza says. “You end up with good ideas when everyone knows what is going on and there is room for what they have to say.”
She sees the benefit of working closely with Macquarie Capital’s senior leaders.
“Our senior leaders are involved in every deal but also empower you to really own the entire process,” Ha-andza says. There is a division of work, but we all sit in the same open-plan space together, and I appreciate the ability to learn from them and the support I receive.”
“We have access to formal training, but a lot happens organically because we are encouraged to speak up, which boosts confidence and promotes growth,” she says.
Macquarie’s active interest in fostering diversity also resonates with Ha-andza.
“It goes beyond being a Black woman, which is an important aspect of who I am especially given the cross-section within banking as an industry, into making sure we have diversity of thought,” Ha-andza explains.
Ha-andza says Macquarie has empowered her to invest in her career in many ways, including connecting her through their Board Lead program with African Classroom Connections, where she’s now a board member.
“African Classroom Connection is a US-based organisation that builds public schools and helps kids stay in school in South Africa,” she says. I know firsthand how important education is, and I’m enjoying helping to set the strategic vision and fundraise.”
Ha-andza now balances her work with her young family by spending some of her time going to the office and some of her time working from home.
“I am deliberate about planning my week to balance my commitments,” she says. “Communication is essential, and I appreciate the flexibility of working from home.”
“Macquarie is a great place to work,” Ha-andza says. “I really value the entrepreneurial spirit and support to grow in my profession and as a leader.”
Ready to start your career with Macquarie?
Have a question about the recruitment process or working at Macquarie?
