Edge Growth's first Investee Day marks new chapter in supporting and scaling South African SMEs
Small business development specialist, Edge Growth, hosted their first ever Investee Day on 4 June in Johannesburg. Invitations were extended to small businesses that have been part of the Edge Growth ecosystem and investment portfolio through various funding and mentorship platforms, with guests having the opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry experts on the essential strategies for scaling a business.
Attendees were treated to a wealth of real-life business lessons and expert insights, designed to equip them for the next phase of their growth journey. In addition to the educational content, the event offered powerful networking opportunities, allowing business owners to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another in a supportive and growth-focused environment.
'Edge Growth is not just about capital – it's about impact, resilience, and transformation," says Daniel Hatfield, CEO of Edge Growth who facilitated the event. 'We're 'VC with a twist,' dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to create systemic change and drive inclusive growth.' He described the evolution of Edge Growth over the last 20 years – from a bold idea focused on growing SMEs and creating jobs, to becoming one of Africa's leading impact investors. 'Beyond accolades and scale, the true value lies in driving inclusive growth and empowering entrepreneurs to create systemic change."
The event featured a compelling keynote address by Miles Kubheka, a renowned entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, author and chef who brought fresh perspective and inspiration to guests. Kubheka made a successful shift from a career in IT to establishing himself as a leading figure in the food industry, demonstrating the impact of vision and determination.
Renowned entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, author and chef, Miles Kubheka
Keshav Mohabir, founder of CAT.design and chief of staff at Art of Scale, delivered a practical lesson with practical insights about harnessing AI and technology to boost efficiency and productivity. With a background spanning social entrepreneurship, technical architecture, and strategic consulting, Mohabir brought to the event his unique blend of creativity and technical expertise, highlighting how smart tech adoption can drive tangible business growth.
Another really valuable lesson was delivered by Kekeletso Moloto from Jedi Marketing, who shared transformative marketing and sales insights, offering practical strategies for building a strong brand through clear and consistent communication.
Another highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring Mohabir and Moloto, alongside Ndia Magadagela, CEO and co-founder of Everlectric, a trailblazer in electric vehicle leasing.
Nevenka Naidoo from DKN Transport, a logistics company specialising in road freight and cross-border services across multiple industries and Dr Thomas Brennan were also on the panel. Brennan is the co-founder of South African fintech startup Franc, known for its user-friendly app that makes investing in money market and equity funds accessible to everyone, with no minimum investment required.
Everlectric, DKN Transport and Franc themselves are all SMEs that have benefited from Edge Growth managed funding.
This panel discussion delved into the major challenges and strategies faced by entrepreneurs, focusing particularly on mindset, business scaling, and the role of technology. SME owners shared personal experiences to highlight the critical importance of resilience and a persistent mindset, stressing that co-founders, team members, coaches, and mentors are among the most valuable assets, alongside tech tools and targeted learning opportunities.
When asked about the mindset needed as an entrepreneur, Magadagela said that having a mindset of always wanting to learn and being willing to hear and 'listen with your eyes' is vital. "As a CEO, you're the chief optimism officer – you need the resilience to fall 17 times and get up 18, and the mindset to always keep learning and listening,' she says.
"My biggest personal sacrifice has been time with family, which is why we've intentionally kept the business at a manageable scale to maintain some balance in our lives,' is how Naidoo responded to a question about some of the personal sacrifices' entrepreneurs have to make.
Referring to her biggest learning so far, Moloto says that one of the things you quickly realise in business, especially as a solo founder, is that there are many skills you lack. "You can't do everything, and I've had to build skills I lacked, especially around operations, and learn to rely on a team. It's been the hardest but biggest personal development journey."
Brennan agreed and emphasised the importance of knowing your strengths. 'You can't be expected to be an expert in everything. I'm an engineer, I teamed up with an actuary, and we have very different strengths that complement each other well."
This inaugural cross-fund Investee Day marks a significant milestone in Edge Growth's commitment to empowering the diverse small businesses within their investment portfolio across all managed funds. Under the Edge Growth Ventures umbrella, one of South Africa's most prominent SME fund managers with over R2bn in assets under management, this event draws inspiration from practices common in the Venture Capital sector and has created a platform that fosters collaboration, growth, and shared learning.
In closing, chief executive officer of Edge Growth Ventures, Janice Johnson reflected on the purpose and impact of the event, emphasising the company's ongoing commitment to backing resilient teams, strong ideas, and entrepreneurs who share a vision for meaningful impact.
'Our goal was to create meaningful, unstructured opportunities for connection, learning, and inspiration, and this first Investee Day truly exceeded expectations. It sparked deep conversations, honest storytelling, and the beginning of a strong community. We're committed to keeping this momentum going and look forward to making this an annual event that continues to support and grow South Africa's SME ecosystem,' Johnson says.
Edge Growth is a leading SME and Venture Fund manager, specialising in developing small businesses and creating jobs and real transformation by connecting corporates and entrepreneurs, growing SMEs by addressing their key constraints: access to finance, markets and skills. Our offering consists of three services areas, designed to achieve maximum impact:
- ESD Strategy for corporates & building SMEs in their value chain
- Investing in and growing SMEs through fund management
- Scaling businesses to full potential through accelerator programmes
All rights reserved. © 2022. Bizcommunity.com Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
African and Caribbean leaders to headline Afreximbank's 32nd Annual Meetings in Abuja, Nigeria
The 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) ( will bring together an influential coalition of global, African and CARICOM leaders in Abuja, Nigeria from 25–27 June 2025. This high-level forum will focus on advancing trade, investment, and innovation across the continent, with Heads of State, Prime Ministers, top business executives, academics and acclaimed academics confirmed to speak. H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; former Nigerian President H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and H.E. Ambassador Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry&Mining, are among the confirmed dignitaries. They will be joined by ministers, central bank governors, investors, and industry leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond. Held under the theme 'Building the Future on Decades of Resilience', AAM2025 will focus on accelerating trade opportunities, driving investment and fostering innovation. Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, remarked: 'AAM2025 comes at a pivotal time for Africa. As the continent confronts global uncertainties, it is doing so with renewed resolve. Following the successful 31st edition of AAM held in The Bahamas last year, we are back on the African continent for this year's meetings which are about catalysing practical action—building stronger institutions to strengthen trade integration and unlocking the full potential of African innovation. We thank H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his support.' The speaker lineup includes renowned economists and industry leaders including Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director, Centre for Sustainable Development, Columbia University and Dr. Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore. Africa's foremost business innovation leaders such as Mr. Aliko Dangote, President&CEO of Dangote Group and Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, will also participate. The speaker lineup further includes Professor Ghulam Mufti of King's College London, former Prime Minister of Jamaica P.J. Patterson, and other influential figures. Afreximbank's 32nd Annual Meetings (AAM2025) in Abuja are expected to deliver strong economic benefits, both in the short and long term. The main anticipated impacts include the trade and investment mobilisation, policy and institutional advancement and strengthening South-South cooperation and trade flows. AAM2025 is expected to facilitate significant trade and investment deals, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and public-private partnerships. The meetings are expected to catalyse billions of dollars in funding over the next 5–10 years for key strategic sectors. By bringing together heads of state, ministers, leaders of trade institutions, policymakers and the private sector, the meetings will advance regional dialogue on several priorities: implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhancing cross-border payment systems to speed up regional transactions, strengthening Africa–Caribbean (CARICOM) economic ties through expanded trade, tourism, and joint ventures, and ensuring private sector participation in policy reforms. These discussions aim to reduce business costs, improve trade infrastructure, and deepen regional economic integration. With world-renowned economists, scholars, and entrepreneurs participating, AAM2025 will shape thought leadership on Africa's development path. Platforms like this influence policy, shift narratives, and inspire reforms that foster innovation, inclusion, and competitiveness. This year's meetings will also mark the launch of several new initiatives. AAM2025 is expected to welcome thousands of participants and media from more than 80 countries. A full programme of events and speakers is available on Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Follow us on: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Call for Entries: Africa Property Investment Awards 2025 Submit Your Applications by 30 June!
The countdown is on for the prestigious 9th Africa Property Investment (API) Awards 2025, part of the highly anticipated API Summit themed 'Growth Through Adventure' taking place on 18 and 19 September 2025 at The Westin Hotel, Cape Town. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 30 June 2025, giving developers, consultants, suppliers, professional teams, and property owners across Africa an exciting opportunity to showcase their excellence in the continent's dynamic real estate sector. Why enter the API Awards? The API Awards are the continent's definitive recognition platform celebrating outstanding achievements in African real estate. Open to a wide range of participants —from developers and consultants to suppliers and property owners— the awards highlight innovation, sustainability, and impactful growth in the industry. Judged by a distinguished panel of over 20 industry experts and thought leaders, the awards ensure impartiality and credibility, making being named a finalist or winner a coveted accolade that significantly boosts brand exposure and credibility. This year, the judges will evaluate submissions across three key categories: Development; Personnel; Service, Technology, and Innovation. These categories reflect the multifaceted nature of the real estate ecosystem. Spotlight on 2024 winners: Success stories that inspire The impact of winning an API Award is profound and far-reaching. Last year's winners have not only gained industry recognition but have leveraged their awards to accelerate growth, attract investment, and amplify their influence across Africa's property landscape. AlleyRoads: Best Affordable Housing Development 2024 AlleyRoads, a South Africa-based developer, won the Best Affordable Housing Development award for their innovative Inkanyezi Village project in Katlehong, Gauteng. Ivan Pretorius, Founder and CEO of AlleyRoads, shared how the award has been transformative: 'Winning the Best Affordable Housing Development award has highlighted that AlleyRoads plays an important and instrumental role in affordable housing development across South Africa. It has attracted select investors to invest in our group and demonstrated our dedication to improving all aspects of affordable housing.' Pretorius also emphasized the broader social impact of the Inkanyezi Village project that was recognised by the API Awards. Inkanyezi Village in Katlehong boasts 378 apartments that cater to lower-to-middle income households. The apartments are powered by solar panels and a battery system, ensuring supply of electricity even during load-shedding. 'The award raised significant awareness about affordable housing in Katlehong, particularly the innovative use of off-grid power systems. Traditionally a feature of high-end residential projects, off-grid power solutions designed for affordability have improved quality of life in the lower end of the affordable housing market,' says Pretorius. This recognition has not only enhanced AlleyRoads' reputation but also underscored the potential for sustainable, affordable housing solutions across the continent. REdimension Capital: Dealmakers of the Year 2024 REdimension Capital, led by Peter Clark and Matt Marshall, was honoured as Dealmakers of the Year for their outstanding deal-making prowess in the South African property investment market. REdimension Capital is a South Africa based investment firm that funds early-stage technology companies improving real estate through innovation and sustainability. The API accolade has had a tangible impact on REdimension Capital. Says Clark and Marshall: 'Receiving the Dealmakers of the Year award was a meaningful milestone recognizing the significant work we have undertaken. It has enhanced our visibility and credibility within the property and venture investment ecosystem, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for real estate stakeholders and technology founders.' The pair says the award has also opened new doors for REdimension Capital, helping the company with its capital-raising efforts and expansion of strategic networks. 'Since receiving the award, we have executed additional deals, deepened our pipeline, and been able to provide credible support for our portfolio companies as they add scale. It has also helped strengthen our position as a leader in driving innovation in the built environment—something we are deeply committed to as we continue to bridge the gap between traditional real estate and the next generation of technology-enabled solutions.' Submit Your Entry Today – Deadline Extended to 30 June 2025 The API Awards 2025 are your platform to showcase excellence and innovation in African real estate. Whether you are a developer pushing boundaries in sustainable housing, a consultant delivering cutting-edge solutions, or a supplier enabling transformative projects, your achievements deserve to be celebrated on the continent's biggest stage. Don't miss this chance to join the ranks of Africa's most respected property leaders. Visit the official API Summit Awards page for detailed criteria and submission guidelines: The API Summit is Africa's premier real estate investment event, bringing together industry leaders, investors, government officials, and innovators to explore opportunities and challenges shaping the continent's property market. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events. Distributed for API Events by Dmix: API Events Murray Anderson-Ogle Email: Murray@ Contact: +27 71 890 77 39 Social Media: Website: Facebook: Instagram: @ APIsummit LinkedIn: API Events
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
World Bank Group considers $500mln boost for South Africa's transmission expansion
The World Bank Group is considering financing $500 million of South Africa's participation in a new credit guarantee facility meant to unlock private financing for a massive transmission grid expansion plan, a senior bank official told Reuters. South Africa is courting private investment for an ambitious plan to add 14,500 km of new lines and enhanced transformer capacity over the next decade, at an estimated total cost of $25 billion, as it looks to emerge from a decade of crippling power cuts that have battered the economy. The proposed credit guarantee vehicle aims to help overcome transmission infrastructure bottlenecks that have held back some 20 gigawatts of renewable energy from connecting to the national electricity network, according to Standard Bank. Many of the renewable projects are situated in the sun-baked Northern Cape or windswept Western and Eastern Cape regions, far from existing transmission corridors linking most of South Africa to the coal-powered generation plants in the north. Operating as a stand-alone entity, the credit guarantee vehicle would issue guarantees instead of South Africa's treasury and would cover payment defaults, for instance, should something go awry during the roll-out. "We could cover or be committed to finance half a billion U.S. dollars of the government of South Africa's first loss or junior capital participation," Yadviga Semikolenova, a senior World Bank manager, said late on Thursday. South Africa has sought not to put further pressure on its strained finances by offering additional sovereign guarantees, as it faces lacklustre growth, high debt-servicing costs and the failure to agree a VAT hike within the government coalition this year. The treasury has committed to providing junior or first loss capital of 20%, which will be an initial $100 million before moving up to $500 million. The credit guarantee vehicle aims to eventually grow to $2.5 billion, an April 4 treasury document shows. The document, seen by Reuters, details a package under discussion with the World Bank Group that includes a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to finance the treasury's junior capital and a potential $100 million direct injection from the International Finance Corporation. The bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency is also considering reinsurance and political risk cover. Approval from the World Bank Group board was expected later this year, treasury officials said. The treasury said in April it had sought backing for the facility from several development financiers, including the Development Bank of Southern Africa, African Development Bank, Germany's KfW and British International Investment. The DBSA said it was considering participating while BII said it could not comment on any transaction that it has not made a commitment to or announced. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by Tim Cocks and Alison Williams)
