6min Pitch… Finding the winning niche strategy for the next decade Keet van Zyl @KeetvZ @KnifeCap #PESA2014 SA Venture Metrics Why VC in Southern Africa? Experience + Skills + Networks + Funding • • • • • • • • Too risky Only 1 out of 10 deals succeed Not enough deal flow in SSA It only works in Silicon Valley Only suitable to tech startups African tech = Oxymoron VC = Out of mandate VC does not ‘move the needle’ • • • • • • • • • • • VC = “Mentorship Capital” Catalyst for growth Plugs startup funding gap Path to SME sustainability Impacts on innovation Advances skills development Creates new jobs Facilitates business networks Source of FDI Increases ESG focus Key entrep’ ecosystem building block Southern African VC Industry Force Field Analysis RESTRAINING FORCES DRIVING FORCES • Collaborative innovation hubs across Southern Africa • VC ecosystems developing • Training & mentorship • Incubators & accelerators • Rise in angel investment • Corporate VC activity • Co-investment initiatives • Diaspora networks • Organised work groups • More & more success stories • • • • • • • • • • • Risk avoidance Culture of entrepreneurship Fragmented ecosystems Limited institutional support Red tape/ compliance Lack of incentives Complex IP regulations Entrep’ support structures Experience of fund managers Unpackaged opportunities ‘Under the radar’ success Keet van Zyl @KeetvZ / @KnifeCap [email protected] www.knifecap.com VC Course: Find-Make-Grow-Realise
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz