SA SME Fund is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Sandton, South Africa, focusing on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various stages, including early-stage, growth, and social impact businesses. It targets high-growth companies with annual revenues ranging from R20 million to R500 million, and it aims to allocate a significant portion of its investments—50% to black-owned enterprises and 25% to Indian and colored-owned companies. Established by members of the CEO Initiative, the fund seeks to address economic challenges and promote job creation in South Africa, recognizing that SMEs are crucial for driving economic growth. The firm strategically invests one third of its capital in early-stage ventures, another third in growing businesses, and the remaining third in social-impact initiatives, all while managing its assets through an experienced executive team dedicated to fostering the development of the SME sector.
ProfitShare Partners focuses on enhancing the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through a profit-sharing business model. The company provides short-term capital investments to these businesses, allowing them to fulfill orders and contracts with established organizations. By financially partnering with SMEs, ProfitShare Partners enables them to access larger business opportunities and achieve significant growth in a relatively short timeframe. This approach not only supports initial-stage investments but also helps transform these enterprises into profitable and sustainable operations.
Grindstone
Venture Round in 2020
Grindstone, founded in 2013 and based in Cape Town, South Africa, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage businesses across various sectors. It operates a structured entrepreneurship development program designed to assist high-growth, innovation-driven companies in establishing essential building blocks for rapid scaling, sustainability, and securing funding. In addition to its investment activities, Grindstone runs accelerator programs that offer mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to markets, further supporting the growth and development of participating companies.
Liquidgold
Grant in 2019
LiquidGold Pty is a South African company established in 2013, specializing in the manufacture of innovative waterless urinal waste systems. These systems are designed to collect and separate human urine from wastewater, effectively diverting it for recycling. By converting urine into bio-friendly fertilizer, LiquidGold's technology not only conserves significant amounts of water but also replenishes soils and protects aquatic environments. The waterless cartridge-equipped urinals provide several advantages, including reduced maintenance costs, improved hygiene, and minimized odor compared to traditional urinals. As a participant in the circular economy, LiquidGold is positioned as a high-growth enterprise focused on sustainable sanitation solutions.
SmartBlade
Seed Round in 2019
SmartBlade is a medical device company specializing in innovative solutions for managing difficult airways. It has developed a device that integrates advanced smartphone application technology with video laryngoscopy, providing a user-friendly interface for clinicians of varying skill levels. This device enables single operators to intubate challenging airways effectively while retaining the capability to suction soiled airways or perform apnoeic oxygenation without interrupting the intubation process. Key features of the SmartBlade application include video conferencing, image capture, recording, and secure data storage, making video laryngoscopy accessible to all clinicians, regardless of their economic environment or expertise.
Spartan SME Finance
Venture Round in 2019
Spartan SME Finance (Pty) Ltd is a non-bank finance company based in Johannesburg, South Africa, specializing in providing financing solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. Established in 1981, the company offers various financial products, including growth finance, specialized asset finance, and working capital finance, tailored specifically for entrepreneurs. Spartan serves a diverse range of industries, including agribusiness, manufacturing, technology, education, healthcare, and professional services. With a strong focus on supporting growth-oriented entrepreneurs, Spartan is recognized as an authorized financial services provider and a registered credit provider, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while facilitating access to essential funding for its clients.
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