Knife Capital, established in 2010, is a South Africa-based growth equity investment firm with offices in Cape Town and London. It focuses on innovation-driven ventures that have achieved product-market fit in their initial market and are ready for international expansion. Knife Capital accelerates this growth by providing funding, leveraging its knowledge and networks. The firm invests through a consortium of funding partnerships, including SARS section 12J Venture Capital Company KNF Ventures and select family offices. Notable exits facilitated by Knife Capital include local technology companies acquired by global giants such as General Electric, Visa, Garmin, and Uber.
Venture Partner and Investment Committee Member for KNF Fund I and II
Davey Gant
Partner
Johnathan Smit
Investment Manager
Catherine Young
Partner
30 past transactions
Simera Sense
Venture Round in 2024
Simera Sense specializes in the development of camera control electronics and integrated optical payloads for remote sensing applications in nanosatellites. The company focuses on designing, manufacturing, and assembling high-resolution imaging solutions tailored for micro and small satellites, allowing businesses to utilize smaller and more cost-effective satellite technology. Through its innovative products, Simera Sense aims to enhance the capabilities of satellite imaging and support various industries in their remote sensing needs.
Coachbetter - You are the game
Seed Round in 2023
Coachbetter is a digital marketplace that transforms how soccer coaches learn, communicate, and manage their teams. It offers a comprehensive, integrated software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform tailored for soccer coaches globally. The platform facilitates planning training sessions, managing teams, and preparing for matchdays, while also providing tools for video analysis. Coaches can upload videos of athletes and drills, allowing them to optimize their training methods and improve overall performance. By delivering professional coaching content and digital solutions, Coachbetter aims to elevate the standards of coaching across all levels of the sport.
Kasha
Series B in 2023
Kasha is a Rwanda-based e-commerce company, established in 2016, that operates in Rwanda and Kenya. It specializes in distributing a wide range of personal care and health products tailored to women, including menstrual care, sexual health items, pharmaceuticals, and mom and baby care products. Kasha's online platform ensures accessibility to these products in both urban and rural areas, promoting women's health and well-being at various life stages.
Octiv
Series A in 2022
Octiv is a prominent platform specializing in gym management software, designed to streamline various aspects of fitness business operations. The company's software encompasses a range of features, including membership management, customer relationship management (CRM), online booking, scheduling, billing, accounting, workout tracking, and lead management. This comprehensive technology not only aids gym owners and trainers in efficiently managing their services but also enhances client engagement through a user-friendly application. By facilitating these essential functions, Octiv supports fitness professionals in their mission to promote health and wellness among their clients.
DataProphet
Series A in 2022
DataProphet, established in 2012 and headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, specializes in developing machine learning solutions to optimize and control manufacturing processes. The company offers products like OMNI, which predicts defects and prescribes ideal process variables, and Mentat, an AI-driven chatbot for automated responses. DataProphet serves diverse industries, including finance and legal, providing consulting and product development services.
VoxCroft
Series A in 2021
VoxCroft Analytics is a prominent provider of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and risk analytics, focusing on delivering real-time insights from vast amounts of open-source data. The company employs advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing technologies to extract valuable information from challenging sources. This innovative approach allows VoxCroft to offer automated event detection and machine translation services, particularly for low-resource languages. By synthesizing expertise in data science and national security, VoxCroft equips cultural, linguistic, and security professionals with fast and reliable analytics that help them navigate evolving socio-political and economic landscapes. With a global clientele, the company is dedicated to enhancing decision-making capabilities in response to critical security threats and dynamic global conditions.
Principal Software(d6 education)
Venture Round in 2021
Principal+ is a fully integrated Administration, Financial and Communication system for Schools. The system is 100% web-based meaning that one only needs an internet connection to operate the system! No server is required at the School and the system is always available online. School management software has never been this easy!
d6 Group
Venture Round in 2021
d6 Group offers a comprehensive school management platform designed to assist educational institutions in efficiently managing their operations and facilitating communication among schools, parents, and students. The platform provides a unified portal that integrates various administrative functions, including curriculum management and financial operations. Additionally, it features payment facilitation options, allowing institutions to streamline their processes effectively. By utilizing a cloud-based system, d6 Group enables schools to enhance their operational efficiency and improve engagement with their stakeholders.
Stone Three Venture Technology
Venture Round in 2021
Stone Three Venture Technology is a company based in Cape Town, South Africa, specializing in the development of advanced technology solutions that address complex engineering challenges. The firm initially focused on bespoke signal processing systems, exemplified by their first project—a particle size analyzer using acoustic technology developed for De Beers Diamonds. Over time, Stone Three has expanded its expertise to encompass machine vision, software-defined radio, data analytics, and machine learning, all supported by a strong foundation in enterprise software development. The company's current offerings include a digital workplace safety platform designed to enhance productivity, health, and safety in various work environments. This platform leverages the company's extensive domain knowledge and data science capabilities to connect employees with essential healthcare services, particularly in remote areas. Stone Three's team comprises highly skilled engineers, developers, and business consultants, who play a crucial role in delivering comprehensive solutions that integrate seamlessly into clients' operations, while also providing a competitive advantage in global markets.
Kandua
Seed Round in 2021
Kandua is an online marketplace based in South Africa that connects homeowners with vetted and rated independent contractors for various home services, including renovations, maintenance, and repairs. The platform facilitates all aspects of the hiring process, allowing users to communicate, manage invoicing, and make payments securely through its system. By providing comprehensive profiles of artisans, complete with personal details and reviews from previous clients, Kandua enables homeowners to make informed decisions when selecting service providers tailored to their specific needs. This approach aims to reduce the risks typically associated with hiring small contractors, ensuring a more reliable and efficient home service experience.
Shinarium
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Shinarium is a decentralized EVM-Compartible smart chain designed to allow for scalable and user-friendly mobile and blockchain applications. Shinarium Blockchain Test-net supports thousands of nodes and producing blocks in a few seconds with instant finality. Shinarium is building web3 apps for end-users through multi-token, NFT bridge, Musicverse, GameFi, Metaverse.
Grindstone
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Grindstone is a Telecommunications company that specializes in professional B2B marketing and sales programs.
inQuba
Venture Round in 2020
inQuba is a developer of customer experience management software tailored for various industries, including financial services, insurance, telecommunications, healthcare, and travel. The company's platform focuses on real-time solutions for monitoring and managing customer experiences across organizations. By collecting and analyzing both structured and unstructured customer engagement data, inQuba enables clients to better understand customer needs and preferences. This understanding helps businesses identify the relationships between operational metrics and customer experience, allowing them to invest resources in initiatives that directly enhance customer satisfaction. By providing visibility into customer interactions over time, inQuba empowers organizations to make informed decisions that positively impact their overall customer experience.
DataProphet
Series A in 2020
DataProphet, established in 2012 and headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, specializes in developing machine learning solutions to optimize and control manufacturing processes. The company offers products like OMNI, which predicts defects and prescribes ideal process variables, and Mentat, an AI-driven chatbot for automated responses. DataProphet serves diverse industries, including finance and legal, providing consulting and product development services.
Snapplify
Venture Round in 2019
Snapplify (Pty) Ltd. is a digital publishing solutions provider based in Durbanville, South Africa, specializing in educational technology. Founded in 2011, the company offers a range of services aimed at enhancing digital learning for institutions and individuals. Its products include a comprehensive digital library solution that features thousands of free eBooks and curriculum-approved content, an e-Learning Content Cloud for schools and universities, and an e-Book Reader compatible with various devices. Snapplify also provides tools for content aggregation, enabling efficient distribution and DRM management of digital materials. The company prioritizes accessibility and collaboration, allowing educational institutions to integrate its solutions without extensive infrastructure investment. With a commitment to social impact, Snapplify supports educators through initiatives like Teacha! and actively collaborates with international publishers to meet the growing demand for digital educational resources. Its innovative approach has facilitated expansion into multiple African markets and the United States, establishing Snapplify as a recognized leader in the edtech sector.
Cradle Technology Services
Series A in 2019
Cradle Technology Services specializes in manufacturing barcoding devices that facilitate the identification, management, and tracking of stock, operations, and transactions. With a wealth of experience within its team, the company offers a range of solutions, including barcoding technologies, label printing, RFID scanning technologies, self-adhesive labels, ribbons, barcode scanners, mobile readers, and fixed readers. These products enable businesses to enhance their warehousing processes and improve operational accuracy.
Pura Soda
Series A in 2019
The PURA Beverage Company (PBC) is a company based in Cape Town, South Africa, which manufactures, distributes, markets and sells “better for you” beverages. This better for you category (Evolved Refreshment) is based on global consumer, market research and trends and represents the evolution of beverages, which is rapidly changing consumer drinking habits across the globe. With low sugar and no artificial flavors or coloring, PURA Soda is a challenger brand pioneering the new category “Evolved Refreshment” – being better for you with none of the compromise of taste or refreshment.
PharmaScout
Series A in 2018
PharmaScout is a single point solution developed by 5nines Technologies, a Cape Town based Internet of Things (“IoT”) business, which overcomes a litany of hurdles faced by healthcare professionals wishing to mitigate legal risk and meet regulatory standards imposed to ensure the safety and quality of stored temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products.
Skillup Tutors
Series A in 2018
SkillUp (Pty) Ltd, based in Cape Town, South Africa, operates an online platform that connects students with tutors for both in-person and online lessons. Founded in 2016, SkillUp began as a marketplace focused on extra lessons for primary, secondary, and university students. In response to the growing demand for online education, the company expanded its services to include virtual tutoring, utilizing a software platform known as "The Lesson Space." This platform allows students and parents to easily find, hire, and schedule lessons with trained and experienced tutors based on specific criteria such as grade level, subject, location, and budget.
DataProphet
Series A in 2018
DataProphet, established in 2012 and headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, specializes in developing machine learning solutions to optimize and control manufacturing processes. The company offers products like OMNI, which predicts defects and prescribes ideal process variables, and Mentat, an AI-driven chatbot for automated responses. DataProphet serves diverse industries, including finance and legal, providing consulting and product development services.
Pura Soda
Venture Round in 2018
The PURA Beverage Company (PBC) is a company based in Cape Town, South Africa, which manufactures, distributes, markets and sells “better for you” beverages. This better for you category (Evolved Refreshment) is based on global consumer, market research and trends and represents the evolution of beverages, which is rapidly changing consumer drinking habits across the globe. With low sugar and no artificial flavors or coloring, PURA Soda is a challenger brand pioneering the new category “Evolved Refreshment” – being better for you with none of the compromise of taste or refreshment.
Most Mobile and Sensory Technology
Venture Round in 2017
MOST delivers next-generation environmental monitoring solutions. MOST is a service provider that instantly delivers valuable information to the whole Supply chain. The customized software solution and premium hardware reduces costs and increase control for monitoring from farm gate and/or factory to distribution centers.
Quicket
Series A in 2017
Quicket is a cloud-based ticketing platform designed for both small and large event organizers, enabling them to sell tickets, market, and manage events efficiently. Its user-friendly interface allows users to create event profiles and start selling tickets within minutes, catering particularly to smaller event organizers in South Africa and across Africa who previously lacked viable ticketing solutions. Quicket supports various local payment methods, including mobile money, credit cards, and cash, making it accessible for diverse audiences. By integrating these payment solutions, Quicket enhances the event management experience, providing an affordable and comprehensive ticketing service for a wide range of events.
CSense Systems
Venture Round in 2008
CSense Systems specializes in analytical software and engineering solutions designed for industrial manufacturing processes. The company's technology platform offers troubleshooting and performance enhancement capabilities, enabling users to identify and resolve potential operational issues proactively. This software is accessible to industries such as mining and metals, food and beverage, power, chemical, paper and pulp, pharmaceutical, and general manufacturing. By simplifying the troubleshooting process, CSense Systems allows organizations to address production challenges without the need for advanced modeling or statistical expertise, ultimately improving efficiency and productivity in various sectors.
Fundamo (Proprietary)
Venture Round in 2007
Fundamo (Proprietary) Limited specializes in mobile financial solutions for banks, financial organizations, and mobile network operators, both in South Africa and internationally. Founded in 2000 and based in Cape Town, the company offers a range of services, including the Fundamo Enterprise Edition, a mobile financial services platform; the Fundamo Mobile Wallet, which delivers transformative financial services; and Fundamo Mobile Banking, enabling banks to provide mobile access to existing accounts. Additionally, Fundamo provides mobile remittance options, integrated payment and purchasing modules, and facilities for issuing mobile debit cards linked to the Fundamo Mobile Account. As a subsidiary of Sanlam Ltd, Fundamo focuses on enhancing financial accessibility through mobile technology.
Clicks2Customers
Series A in 2007
Clicks2Customers specializes in performance-based search marketing solutions aimed at enhancing the efficiency of clients' paid search campaigns. The company is committed to delivering high-quality service and continuously innovates in search marketing techniques to achieve optimal results. By focusing on these strategies, Clicks2Customers seeks to help clients maximize their advertising effectiveness and achieve better returns on their investments in digital marketing.
Flightscope
Venture Round in 2006
FlightScope (Pty) Ltd. specializes in the development and manufacturing of 3D Doppler ball tracking monitors, golf radars, and launch monitors for various sports, including golf, cricket, tennis, and baseball. Founded in 1989 and based in Orlando, Florida, the company originally focused on measuring projectiles for the defense industry, a sector in which it remains active across more than 24 countries. FlightScope's products are utilized by golf instructors, club fitters, tour players, and original equipment manufacturers, allowing users to accurately track ball speed and distance. In addition to hardware, the company offers software applications and support services, and it sells its products online, catering to a global clientele.
Red Five Labs
Seed Round in 2005
Red Five Labs develops a technology that enables mobile apps to run on all smartphones regardless of their operating systems.
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