Knife Capital

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.

Richard Dewing

Venture Partner and Investment Committee Member for KNF Fund I and II

Bob Skinstad

Partner

Johnathan Smit

Investment Manager

30 past transactions

Simera Sense

Venture Round in 2024
Simera Sense is a manufacturer specializing in the design, production, and assembly of optical payloads for nanosatellites and small satellites. The company focuses on developing camera control electronics and integrated optical solutions for remote sensing applications. By providing high-resolution imagery capabilities, Simera Sense enables businesses to utilize smaller and more cost-effective satellite systems, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of satellite-based data collection.

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 platform established in 2015, with an additional office in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to improving access to health and personal care products for women in East Africa. The company offers a wide range of products that cater to various aspects of women's health, including beauty care, menstrual hygiene, and sexual and reproductive health. Its product lineup includes bath and body items, menstrual care products such as sanitary pads and menstrual cups, contraceptives, pharmaceuticals, and mom and baby care items. Kasha’s innovative approach serves both urban and rural populations, ensuring that women have access to essential health products at all stages of life, including maternal health and disease prevention. The company emphasizes the importance of accessibility and affordability in promoting overall health and well-being for women in the region.

Octiv

Series A in 2022
Octiv is a prominent platform specializing in gym management software. The company develops comprehensive business management solutions designed to streamline various fitness-related operations. Its technology encompasses features such as membership management, customer relationship management, online booking, scheduling, billing, accounting, workout tracking, and lead management. Additionally, Octiv offers a client-side application that enhances customer engagement, allowing gym owners and trainers to focus on their core mission of helping individuals maintain fitness, stay active, and promote overall health.

DataProphet

Series A in 2022
DataProphet, established in 2012 and headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, specializes in developing and implementing machine learning solutions to enhance manufacturing processes. The company's core offerings include OMNI, a predictive maintenance tool that anticipates and mitigates defects, faults, and quality issues, and Mentat, an AI-driven chatbot for automated query resolution. DataProphet serves a diverse range of industries, from finance to legal, providing consulting and product development services to optimize complex manufacturing processes and improve overall operational efficiency.

VoxCroft

Series A in 2021
VoxCroft Analytics is a prominent provider of open-source intelligence and risk analytics, specializing in the development of population-centric intelligence technology tailored for professionals in cultural, linguistic, and national security sectors. The company excels in extracting data from challenging sources and employs advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing tools to generate real-time insights. Its offerings include automated event and trend detection, as well as machine translation for low-resource languages. By synthesizing expertise in data science and national security, VoxCroft delivers timely and relevant information to decision-makers, enabling them to navigate evolving socio-political and economic landscapes while effectively addressing critical security threats.

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 is a developer of a comprehensive school management platform designed to assist educational institutions in efficiently managing their administrative operations and communication. The company's platform serves as a unified portal that facilitates interaction between schools, parents, and students, promoting streamlined communication. Additionally, it offers features for payment processing and integrates various aspects of school management, including administration, curriculum, and finance, all within a cloud-based system. This holistic approach enables educational institutions to enhance their operational efficiency and improve stakeholder engagement.

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 that connects homeowners and building maintenance managers with rated and vetted artisans in South Africa. The platform facilitates the hiring of small, independent contractors for home renovations, maintenance, and repairs, significantly reducing the risks associated with such engagements. Kandua allows users to search for service providers based on their specific needs, offering comprehensive profiles of artisans that include personal details and reviews from previous clients. All communication, invoicing, and payments are managed through the platform, ensuring a streamlined and secure experience for both homeowners and service providers.

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 that specializes in providing real-time solutions for various industries, including financial services, insurance, telecommunications, healthcare, and travel. The company's platform collects and analyzes both structured and unstructured customer engagement data, enabling organizations to monitor and manage customer experiences effectively. By understanding the relationship between operational metrics and customer experience, inQuba helps businesses focus their resources on initiatives that can enhance customer satisfaction. This visibility into customer interactions allows clients to listen to, learn from, and respond to customer needs, ultimately driving better financial performance and improving overall service quality.

DataProphet

Series A in 2020
DataProphet, established in 2012 and headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, specializes in developing and implementing machine learning solutions to enhance manufacturing processes. The company's core offerings include OMNI, a predictive maintenance tool that anticipates and mitigates defects, faults, and quality issues, and Mentat, an AI-driven chatbot for automated query resolution. DataProphet serves a diverse range of industries, from finance to legal, providing consulting and product development services to optimize complex manufacturing processes and improve overall operational efficiency.

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 and implementing machine learning solutions to enhance manufacturing processes. The company's core offerings include OMNI, a predictive maintenance tool that anticipates and mitigates defects, faults, and quality issues, and Mentat, an AI-driven chatbot for automated query resolution. DataProphet serves a diverse range of industries, from finance to legal, providing consulting and product development services to optimize complex manufacturing processes and improve overall operational efficiency.

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 analytic software and engineering solutions designed to enhance performance in industrial manufacturing processes. The company's technology empowers users to proactively identify and address potential process issues before they disrupt operations. By offering a user-friendly platform that does not necessitate advanced modeling or statistical expertise, CSense Systems serves a diverse range of industries, including mining and metals, food and beverage, power, chemicals, paper and pulp, pharmaceuticals, and general manufacturing. This approach allows organizations to effectively troubleshoot daily production challenges, leading to improved operational efficiency and productivity.

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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