Nicky Newton-King is a lawyer by training with BA LLB degrees from Stellenbosch University and an LLM degree with first class honours from the University of Cambridge, England. She was at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for 23 years, of which 8 were as Deputy CEO and 8 as CEO. Prior to joining the JSE, Nicky was a partner at the law firm Webber Wentzel. Today, Nicky serves on the Group Boards of Investec and MTN, and also on the Board of AngloGold Ashanti. Nicky Chairs the Council of Stellenbosch University. In 2006, Nicky spent 5 months at Yale University as a World Fellow, was a World Economic Forum Global Leader of Tomorrow and subsequently a WEF Young Global Leader. In 2003, Nicky was South Africa’s Businesswoman of the Year. When she’s not working, Nicky can be found hiking, swimming, cycling or spending time with her family.

Freek is deeply committed to supporting South African entrepreneurial enterprises, which he sees as the backbone of the nation's economy. As Chief Financial and Commercial Officer at SAFT, he brings a wealth of professional experience and a passion for continuous improvement. In a previous role, Freek was head of credit for the small business division at one of Africa’s leading banks, where he played a key role in growing the bank’s contribution to entrepreneurs and SMMEs during the Global Financial Crisis. Beyond work, Freek is anchored by his faith and family. He envisions a future where entrepreneurs thrive through collaboration, with SAFT serving as a catalyst for growth and hope.

Nichole is a marketing leader who thrives on creativity and challenging norms. With over a decade of experience working with leading brands like Snapchat, Spotify, Twitter, Coca-Cola, Pernod Ricard and Cartoon Network, she offers a wealth of marketing expertise. For the past four years, she’s been the Chief Marketing Officer at Pineapple, managing all aspects of marketing, advertising, and design while leading a team of 17.

Mamello Matikinca is the chief economist of First National Bank. She plays a critical role in providing macroeconomic insight to FNB and the broader First Rand group and its clients. She began her career at the Bureau for Economic Research in Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s respected economic research institutions. She is also a member of the Statistics South Africa CPI Advisory committee. She has served as a member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, where she was one of the policy advisors to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Mamello has also served as a member of the National council on innovation appointed by the Minister of Science and technology.

Prof. Motshedisi (Tshidi) Mathibe is an award-winning case writer and Head of Marketing, Management & Entrepreneurship at GIBS. With a strong research focus on social entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurship, informality, the township economy, and Base of the Pyramid markets, Prof. Mathibe is a respected academic and thought leader. She holds grants from the NRF and NIHSS, and her involvement in the United Nations Global Impact Young Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Innovators Programme showcases her dedication to mentoring young innovators. Prof. Mathibe also serves as an examiner for Master’s and PhD theses, collaborates internationally, and reviews academic journals and conference papers. Alongside her research, she is highly experienced in curriculum design and content development, making a significant impact in the academic world.

Thabo Hleza is an experienced investment professional with a strong background in portfolio management and private equity. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science and a BCom in Accounting from the University of Cape Town (UCT). Before joining the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in 2016, Thabo was a Senior Portfolio Manager at Lombard Equity Partnerships, where he oversaw the strategic, operational, and financial performance of private equity investments. Prior to that, he was the Head of Post Investment and Value Add at IDF Capital, where his responsibilities included due diligence, deal structuring, portfolio management, and implementing value-creation strategies within portfolio companies.

Mitchan "Mitch" Adams, a trained software engineer, spent nine years in the financial sector before co-founding Ozow, a leading online payments company in South Africa, in 2014. Over seven years, he helped build Ozow into an award-winning brand, exiting in 2021 after a $48 million Series B raise led by Tencent. In 2022, Mitch founded Aions Creative Technology, a venture-building firm that supports black entrepreneurs and aims to create sustainable jobs. He also launched Aions Exchange, a public investment platform built on blockchain technology, offering fractional ownership in early-stage startups. Additionally, Mitch co-founded Conducive Capital, a $50 million Tech VC fund, in 2024 alongside investment veteran Clive Butkow.

Dr Adam Pantanowitz is a globally chartered biomedical and electrical engineer, who loves using technology like software, robotics, and AI for impact in biohacking, healthcare, education, safety, and other fields. He has multiple scientific publications, is a seasoned entrepreneur having co-founded a number of businesses, and is the Chair in Innovation at Wits University in Johannesburg.

Alan Henderson is Chief of Staff at Oppenheimer Generations (Opp Gen), sitting across the family’s commercial, not-for-profit and private interests. Prior to joining Opp Gen, Alan spent 12 years at NatWest Markets Investment Bank, holding a number of roles across Strategy, COO and CEO Offices in London and Hong Kong. Alan holds a first-class Bachelor of Accounting and Finance Honours Degree from the University of Glasgow and a postgraduate qualification as a Non-Executive Director. Outside of work, Alan is an avid mountaineer. He is the former Honorary Treasurer of the Alpine Club, the world’s oldest mountaineering club, and the current Honorary Treasurer of the Alpine Club Library.

Alan Knott-Craig Alan Knott-Craig is an entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Fibertime.com, a company bridging the digital divide in Africa by bringing pre-paid fibre internet to informal settlements. He studied at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in 2002. He has founded or funded 21 tech businesses since 2003, including Cellfind, iBurst, Mxit, and HeroTel. In 2013, he founded Project Isizwe, a non-profit providing internet to schools in informal settlements. Allan has published 10 books, including a national bestseller, a global history of telecommunications, and a memoir. He was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2009 and included in “100 Choiseul Africa” a list of top young African business leaders for three consecutive years since 2014. He was nominated as the 2015 ICT Personality of the Year and recognised by Entrepreneur Magazine as a top entrepreneur changing Africa.

Allon Raiz Allon Raiz is the founder and CEO of Raizcorp, an incubator supporting over 500 businesses. He is a best-selling author of three entrepreneurial books and has hosted radio and TV shows on entrepreneurship. He is currently hosting the 14th season of the ‘The Big Small Business Show’ on Business Day TV. Allon co-founded the Entrepreneurs' Organisation South Africa and Rural Roots, advises numerous NGOs and judges entrepreneurial awards. The World Economic Forum (WEF) recognised him as a Young Global Leader in 2008 and invited him to speak at the 2011 WEF Annual Meeting. That year, he joined the WEF's Global Agenda Council on Fostering Entrepreneurship, and today is a member of WEF’s Global Future Council. Allon was the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Oxford University's Saïd Business School from 2014 to 2016. He was invited by former President Obama to speak at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kenya in 2015.

Dr. Benji Ozynski is a medical doctor and entrepreneur with a strong focus on healthcare innovation. He is the co-founder and CEO of Engage Mx, a platform designed to assist doctors in proactively managing patient health, particularly in the areas of chronic disease and preventative care. The platform leverages AI and data-driven insights to identiify recall patients for screenings and follow-ups, helping to reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes. Benji has also served as the director of business development for Wits Healthcare Innovation and has been part of both local and international healthcare innovation events and accelerators.

Ben Wagner has been a key figure in the marketing industry for over 20 years. In 2007, he founded Stonewall+ Digital Marketing, which later merged to form NATIVE, a leading digital agency that was acquired by WPP in 2012 and became part of the global VML network. VML South Africa is now the largest communications agency in the country, with offices in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg. In 2020, Ben co-founded The Movement Empire, a white-label content business specialising in fitness workout videos licensed to mobile operators across Africa. In 2024, he co-founded soSerene.com, a B2B platform focused on holistic wellbeing for corporates, addressing mental health, fitness, and nutrition.

Bruce Whitfield is a renowned business speaker, journalist, and author who brings clarity and humour to the complex intersections of business, politics, and society. With nearly three decades of journalistic experience, Bruce has hosted numerous radio and TV shows, providing sharp insights into the world of money, economics, and business. He has featured on a range of global and local stages, including at the World Economic Forum and has shared platforms with leaders including the likes of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Steven Bartlett and Ariana Huffington. Bruce’s keynote themes focus on strategic decision-making, resilience, and thriving amidst uncertainty. He is the author of the bestsellers ‘The Upside of Down’ and ‘Genius: How to Thrive at the Edge of Chaos’, and has just launched his third book, ‘The One Thing’ which he will be drawing on for his keynote today.

I have spent over 22 years in the Technology and Telecoms space. Driven by technology and innovation I have dedicated these years to building diverse, high-performing teams with a keen focus on creating a strong company culture. Before starting Melon Mobile I spent 5 years at MTN as part of the Exec Team which involved building one of MTNs first sub-brands, Supersonic - taking it to number 1 ISP in its first year of relaunch. I am a firm believer in South Africa, its people and its immense potential. My latest start-up, Melon Mobile - South Africa’s first fully digital MVNO is set to disrupt the mobile industry by putting the consumer at the heart of it all, offering a new level of control, flexibility, and value.

Craig Lyons is an experienced and accomplished investment banker ,and business founder and builder with over three decades of strategic, management, and finance expertise. He has started and led numerous businesses across sub-Saharan Africa. He actively participates as an independent director on various boards and committees, helping companies grow and thrive in a dynamic environment. Previously, Craig co-founded and served as CEO of Mvelaphanda Strategic Investments, where he built and managed a diverse portfolio across sectors such as mining, agriculture, property, technology, healthcare and telecommunications with assets exceeding R32 billion. Today, Craig continues to oversee his wide-ranging portfolio of businesses across multiple geographies and serves as an independent non-executive director for various sized companies in Sub Saharan Africa.

Christinah Serete is the founder of Bryt Future Aviation Edition and a private pilot currently pursuing her Commercial Pilot License. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact in both the aviation and entrepreneurship sectors. Her background as an Operations Controller has equipped her with the skills to manage complex logistics and ensure smooth operations under pressure, further fueling her passion for the aviation industry. At Bryt Future Aviation Edition, Christinah focuses on empowering high school students through initiatives such as tutoring, mentorship, career coaching, introductory flights, and support with bursary and tertiary applications. Her experience as a former attendee of the Step Up to a Start Up program by Primestars played a key role in shaping her entrepreneurial journey. Having faced challenges accessing career information in high school, she is dedicated to guiding the next generation and nurturing their passion for aviation.

Christiaan van den Berg is the co-founder and co-CEO of JOBJACK, a platform transforming entry-level recruitment with innovative matching algorithms and automation. A qualified Chartered Accountant, he began his career at PKF before venturing into entrepreneurship with co-founder Heine Bellingan. JOBJACK partners with leading South African companies like Woolworths, Pep, and KFC, streamlining their recruitment processes while offering job seekers a free, easy-to-use platform. Christiaan’s impact in the business world earned him recognition as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, and he won the Influence Category in SAICA's Top 35 under 35 in 2022.

Dennis is a passionate and creative problem solver with over 15 years of experience driving strategy, design, and innovation for startups and corporates at C-suite, founder, and management levels. Specialising in customer experience, product evolution, and marketplace innovation, Dennis excels at creating products, solutions, and experiences that resonate deeply with users while succeeding in the marketplace. With expertise in design lifecycles, rapid prototyping, and customer validation, Dennis has helped build customer-centric organizations, always striving to create meaningful and impactful experiences.

Dean Oelschig discovered his passion for advertising at 16, eventually pursuing it after a brief detour into accounting. In 2010, he founded Halo, a creative agency known for building standout brands. Under Dean's leadership, Halo has shaped brands such as Yoco, Pineapple, Pam Golding, Capital Legacy, Exclusive Books, and Naked. Dean’s core belief is that brands must break free from the "sea of sameness" to truly stand out. With nearly two decades of experience, Dean continues to push the boundaries of creativity in advertising.

Gastao Fernandes is the Founder and Managing Director of Pescaluna East Coast, a Cape Town-based business he established in 2000. Raised in the fishing industry through his family business, Lusitania Fishing, Gastao left his marketing studies to pursue a full-time career in the sector. With hands-on experience in both sea-based and land-based operations, he has worked across all major South African fishing sectors, including white fish, lobster, prawns, small pelagics (anchovy/sardine), large pelagics (tuna), and squid. Pescaluna catches, processes, and markets all production, with a split of 50% exports and 50% to local markets in South Africa. Gastao’s business employs over 200 people and operates from Hout Bay Harbour.

Fred Roed Fred Roed is the Founder and CEO of Heavy Chef, a short-form video-learning platform for entrepreneurs. The name comes from the saying ‘Never trust a skinny chef’ as it shares learnings from foremost technologists, leaders and creatives on salient topics, and organises popular monthly entrepreneur events across South Africa. He is also the co-Founder of the Heavy Chef Foundation, which provides learning programmes for high-potential emerging entrepreneurs. Fred was Head of Agencies at the IAB SA (Interactive Advertising Bureau SA) between 2013 and 2016, and co-Founder of World Wide Creative (WWC) and WWC Johannesburg. Born to two Danish immigrants to South Africa, Fred's diverse background has shaped his belief in entrepreneurship's power to drive economic growth. He's a bestselling author of The Heavy Chef Guide To Starting A Business In South Africa, host of The Healthy Business Show entrepreneur podcast, and partner at Glengarry Capital, a fund that invests in education.

Fred Swaniker is the Founder & CEO of Sand Technologies, a global technology company that builds enterprise-grade artificial intelligence applications for companies and governments around the world. Fred began his career at McKinsey & Company and has an MBA from Stanford University, where he was named an Arjay Miller Scholar, a distinction awarded to the top 10% of each graduating class. He has been recognized as one of the top 15 emerging social entrepreneurs in the world by Echoing Green; as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum; as a TED Fellow, and as an Aspen Institute Fellow. He has been honoured with doctorate degrees from Macalester College in Minnesota, Middlebury College in Vermont, and Nelson Mandela University in South Africa. He sits on the boards of the Rhodes Trust (which awards the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University). He is a member of the International Advisory Board of Waterloo University (Canada). He also received Stanford University’s 2024 President’s Award for the Advancement of the Common Good. Fred was recognized in 2019 as one of the ‘100 Most Influential People in the World’ by Time Magazine and again in 2023 with a “Time 100 Impact Award” for his work. Before launching Sand, Fred launched the African Leadership Group, an ecosystem of organizations that selects, develops, and connects Africa’s next generation of leaders.

Heidi Patmore Heidi Patmore is the Founder and Managing Director of Manjaro Marketing, a marketing consulting firm specialising in helping tech startups go to market and scale in Africa and beyond. Heidi has helped several founders across the fintech, healthtech, edtech and insurtech space grow their businesses and is particularly passionate about technology that is changing the world and how consumers behave, including digital currencies, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, passenger drones (eVTOL) and the Internet of Things.

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Jade Kirkel Sitting at the family dinner table as a teenager, Jade Kirkel was bemused to hear her father announce that he intended to open a chain of beauty salons called Sorbet. Little did she know then that the idea would serve as her springboard into the stratosphere of South African business. After earning her marketing degree, Jade joined the family business in 2009 when Sorbet only had 10 stores nationwide. As Group Marketing Manager, she helped expand the brand into a household name, growing it to over 220 stores by 2018, when the family sold the business. In 2019, Jade co-founded JoyJoy, an interchangeable kids' sneaker brand, alongside her high school friend, Dani Silbermann. Officially launched in 2022, JoyJoy quickly gained traction, partnering with Disney and expanding into retail and online markets. The brand continues to grow in the local market and is set to expand into international markets in 2024, marking an exciting new chapter in its journey.

Jon Kornik is the CEO of Plentify, a company working at the intersection of energy, technology, and finance. Before founding Plentify, Jon led Google’s energy business in Africa, funding the continent’s largest wind and solar farms and developing technology products to expand energy access. He has also consulted for McKinsey & Company and founded the African office of South Pole Group, a multinational carbon finance firm. Jon holds an MBA from Columbia University and a Master's in Finance from the University of Cape Town. He is an Echoing Green Fellow, a Feldberg Fellow, and an Archbishop Tutu African Leadership Fellow.

Julian Mixon is a finance and investment professional with over 19 years of experience across diverse sectors, including Financial Services, Renewable Energy, Resources, Technology, M&A, and Venture Capital. He is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant. Julian currently works as an Associate Fund Principal at the Public Investment Corporation, as part of the Early-Stage Fund team. Prior to this, he served as an Investment Principal at Naspers Foundry. He is also a Council Member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and volunteers on the Board of Trustees for KST Trust, where he chairs the Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee (FARCO). Additionally, he sits on the FARCO of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. Julian began his career at Microsoft South Africa as a Trainee Accountant, where he completed his TOPP Articles..

Jonathan Oppenheimer is a South African businessman and philanthropist, serving as Executive Chairman of Oppenheimer Generations. He oversees the family’s private and commercial ventures, including Oppenheimer Partners, a global investment group focused on long-term impact, Tswalu Kalahari and Fireblade Aviation, both contributing to South Africa's global image. Jonathan also leads the Oppenheimer Generations Foundation, dedicated to social and environmental sustainability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan spearheaded the South African Future Trust SAFT. He is also a trustee of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and actively involved in initiatives promoting Africa's growth through the Brenthurst Foundation

JONATHAN SMIT Jonathan is an experienced entrepreneur, executive and investor with wide ranging experience in the technology, payments and retail sectors. He founded PayFast in 2007, growing it into a leading tech business with over 130 staff and multi-million dollar revenues – making it one of the most valuable tech businesses on the continent – before successfully exiting in 2021 in a multi-stage deal. The ultimate acquirer being the LSE-listed payments firm, Network International. Post-PayFast, Jonathan has become an angel investor, supporting tech start-ups. He has made over 30 investments in a variety of businesses and venture capital funds in South Africa and globally. His technical expertise and business acumen make him a valuable investor and advisor to his portfolio companies. In recent years, he has acquired a solid foundation in mergers and acquisitions on both sides of the table. While managing existing investments and obligations, Jonathan's current focus is on later-stage businesses and personal ventures.

Karidas is a young entrepreneur from South Africa with over 7 years experience in building startups from ideas to fully fledged businesses. He is passionate about finding inclusive sustainable solutions for emerging markets. Karidas is the founder and CEO of one of Africa's top tech start- ups which is now his full-time focus. While still in pre-launch mode, Khula! has been awarded as the #1 Business App is South Africa and #1 Agricultural solution in South Africa for the year, top 10 social enterprises in the world by the Chivas Venture initiative and top startup in Johannesburg by Africarena.

Laila Pawlak is the Founder & CEO of the Rehumanize Institute and previously co-founded and served as CEO of SingularityU Nordic. She is a faculty member at Singularity University, specialising in Impact Leadership and the future of work, and is a sought-after executive facilitator. Laila co-authored "The Fundamental 4s: How to Design Extraordinary Customer Experiences in an Exponential World" and the Amazon bestseller "Ethics @ Work." Her accolades include the Experience Management Achievement Award and being named a Distinguished Woman Entrepreneur Fellow by the Female Entrepreneurship Day organisation at the UN in New York. She has been nominated twice as Female Entrepreneur of the Year and is listed among the top 100 female role models in Denmark, as well as the top 50 and 100 people in tech in the Nordics multiple years in a row. An active angel investor, Laila has been awarded Investor of the Year and serves as an advisor and board member to startups, politicians, and various organisations. She has moderated large-scale events with thousands of participants and led numerous intimate leadership sessions for executive teams globally, including for the Obama Foundation, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, H&M, Lufthansa, and many others.

Lira Lira is a South African multi-platinum selling singer, songwriter, speaker, entrepreneur and author. Well respected and renowned for her positive music and spectacular live performances, Lira's career spans over 20 years with 6 albums and a documentary series. Her music is inspirational and uplifting because she believes the world needs more positivity. Her brand represents her African heritage, self-acceptance, excellence and breaking boundaries, all of which is documented in her autobiography, Making Herstory. Since 2021 Lira has been an instructor on the online platform My Mastery, teaching the art of singing and performance. Her 13-episode masterclass teaches people how to find their inner voice and way in the world to find balance and build confidence, while fostering personal growth. In March 2022, Lira suffered a stroke which left her unable to read, write or speak. Her recovery has been miraculous. In May the following year, she delivered her first post-stroke keynote and has become a sought after inspirational speaker sharing her journey via her talk titled “My stroke of luck”.

Lolo Ndlovu Since founding The Sneaker Shack in 2017, Lolo Ndlovu has been revolutionising footwear hygiene in South Africa. Inspired by sneaker culture and his entrepreneurial spirit, the company addresses the growing need for specialised care for high-value sneakers, especially as sneakers are the fastest-growing asset class among young people, with the largest spend in the closet distribution. With a mission to change how people think about footwear hygiene, The Sneaker Shack offers a compelling business case in a growing market. At its heart, the business is committed to sustainability, aiming to extend the lifespan of sneakers by up to two years to reduce waste. Despite Covid challenges, The Sneaker Shack has maintained a ‘cautious and calculated’ growth strategy, prioritising staff retention and income stability. With four new branches opening in 2024 and a nationwide online pick-up and delivery service set to launch in 2025, it believes in the positive role of entrepreneurship.

Lynton Peters Lynton Peters is a corporate executive, entrepreneur and investor with a track record of building innovative businesses that disrupt industries and create meaningful impact by fulfilling economic and social needs. . As the founder of OneCart, a pioneering on-demand e-commerce and delivery platform in South Africa, Lynton drove the company to exponential growth. He scaled OneCart to deliver tens of thousands of orders monthly, while providing employment to over 1,500 people. Its acquisition by Walmart-owned Massmart was one of the largest e-commerce deals in South Africa. Following his exit from OneCart in 2023, Lynton established Kaizen Capital, a diversified investment firm that leverages capital and deep expertise to invest in and build traditional and venture assets. Lynton is passionate about driving the growth of Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and empowering the next generation of business leaders.

Mashudu Modau is a youth entrepreneurship evangelist and an influential figure in the small business community. He is the founder and host of the Mashstartup podcast, where he connects and empowers African entrepreneurs by sharing valuable insights and stories. Formerly, Mashudu served as Community Partnerships Manager at Yoco, building platforms to help small businesses thrive. His work continues to support the growth of entrepreneurship across the continent.

Marko Stavrou Marko Stavrou, also known as the Gen Z guy, is one of Africa’s leading Gen Z strategists and upcoming entrepreneurs. At 20, he is the founder of Genlink – an investor-backed training business that helps blue chip corporations better connect with their Gen Z consumers and employees. At just 17 years old, Marko was the youngest person to be accepted to Henley Business School globally. In 2023, Marko had reached more than 2 million people across all his social media platforms.

Marlon Parker Marlon Parker is deeply committed to community, technology, and innovation, which has shaped his career and led to the creation of RLabs, a social enterprise that has reached over 65 million people in 24 countries. Recognised by Quartz as a leading African Innovator in 2017 and named among the 100 World Class South Africans, Parker has also earned accolades as an honorary faculty member at the International School of Digital Transformation, a Member of Council at the University of Cape Town, a non-resident fellow at New York University, and a member of the GITEX Impact Council. His contributions to social entrepreneurship have garnered him prestigious titles such as a WEF Young Global Leader, a Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Fellow, a Dangote Fellow, an Ashoka Fellow and more recently the SA Future Trust Social Entrepreneur Award 2024. Most recently, Parker has launched RLabs Capital, which focuses on investing in and managing a portfolio of scalable technology and impact-driven companies founded by underrepresented entrepreneurs.

Mathew Marsden Mathew Marsden is a purpose-driven entrepreneur on a mission to equip South African business founders to solve the country’s hardest problems. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of the Witwatersrand, he spent seven years building a private wealth business before exiting and shifting his focus to the start-up space. In 2020, he co-founded his first tech start-up – backed by one of the country’s leading FinTechs – serving as CEO for two and a half years. After experiencing firsthand the many headwinds facing the country’s start-up founders and investors, he pivoted (again) in 2022, proceeding to launch Dealbase – an African fundraising and insights platform – before founding Startup Club in 2023. Now the country’s largest tech start-up and investor network that is anchored on nationwide events, their soon-to-launch ecosystem platform and first-cheque investment fund is targeted for 2025. Mathew is passionate about catalysing people’s potential and is proudly South African.

Modicai Mnculwane is the CEO and cofounder of RoomKing, a platform transforming South Africa’s informal backroom rental market. With over a decade of experience in property management, Modicai rose through the ranks at Mafadi Property Management from a junior property manager to COO. His passion for affordable housing and community development inspired the creation of RoomKing, a secure, professional marketplace that formalises the landlord-tenant relationship. Modicai’s vision extends beyond South Africa, with expansion plans underway in Kenya, bringing RoomKing’s innovative solution to a broader African audience.

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Natasha Sideris Natasha Sideris is the CEO & Founder of Tashas Group. Growing up in the restaurant business, by her father’s side, she not only learned a tremendous amount but the passion for hospitality got under her skin. After completing her BA in Psychology at Wits University in South Africa, Natasha continued her career in the franchised restaurant business working at both Nino’s and the Fishmonger. She soon realised that there was a huge gap in the market for a simple, un-themed, day-time concept where customers could enjoy a delicious meal in an aesthetically pleasing space with great service. Thus, the first tashas opened in Atholl in 2005. Now, nineteen years later, there are fifteen tashas in South Africa, six locations in the UAE and one that recently opened in London. Not only has tashas been an incredible success, she has also created many other concepts including Flamingo Room by tashas, Avli by tashas, Le Parc by tashas, Bungalo34, and one of the World’s Top 50 Bars, Galaxy Bar as well as other six concepts. In 2024, Natasha was awarded an honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) in Management Studies: Entrepreneurship by the University of South Africa (UNISA). This accolade recognises her bold entrepreneurial vision in cultivating inclusive growth toward economic development across South Africa.

Neeraj Shah is a partner at Oppenheimer Partners, responsible for portfolio investment management and deal execution across Africa. Oppenheimer Partners is a global, long-term investment business with a portfolio spanning Southern, West, and East Africa. Neeraj sits on the boards of Genser Energy in Ghana and Hariss International in Uganda. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and Corporate Financier with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

A late starter in the entrepreneurial world, Nick Dreyer opened his first business at 37 years old. Before that, he studied hospitality management and worked as GM at the world-renowned Ellerman House, Cape Town. There, Nick met the world - from the Kardashians to Wolf Blitzer. It was here that Nick became ensconced in the world of art and would later become a director of South Africa’s oldest and iconic gallery Everard Read and director of the Museum of African Design in Johannesburg. Nick then started Auriti, an Art Advisory and then a travelling exhibition business that successfully hosted major entertainment exhibitions in multiple cities in SA. In 2016 came Veldskoen Shoes. What started as a car journey conversation between Nick and his friend Ross Zondagh has now become a global fashion brand in just seven years selling in over 32 countries. Veldskoen Shoes are worn by royalty (now ex), Oscar winners, sporting icons, music legends and more importantly, folks who love South Africa. Veldskoen has partnered with some of the greatest companies in SA, including Nandos and FNB. Its most notable sponsorship deal includes the South African Olympic team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and became the official supporter shoe of the Springboks (SARU). Meaningful and impactful collaborations are at the heart of Veldskoen’s DNA, most notably our international fashion collab with courier giants DHL that launched in London in 2022 and our conservation campaigns with the Kariega Foundation and the social impact Ranger Boot with Hollywood actor Briana Evigan.

Nicola van Ast Experienced CMO & customer growth executive, Nicola is the Head of Marketing & Growth for Melon Mobile. She is also the co-founder of GrowThink Group, a leading specialist Growth Consultancy, established to better equip Business, Marketing & Product owners to drive tangible performance results guided by data. Nicola has built and led high performing growth and marketing teams for leading businesses including Showmax, Naspers (now Prosus), MTN Group & DTOne, resulting in superior customer & commercial growth. Growth Strategist with deep experience in customer acquisition, marketing and monetisation spanning 2 decades. Having started her career in brand asset valuation, she still harbours a not so secret love for impactful brand building. Nicola is deeply focused on scaling agile start-up’s, most especially those on South African home soil.

Nyari Samushonga Nyari Samushonga is an entrepreneur, tech executive, and educator. As CEO of WeThinkCode_, she has led the academy’s national expansion, delivering world-class tech education to South African youth from diverse backgrounds including rural and underserved communities. In collaboration with industry experts, she drove the development of the academy's market relevant curriculum and built partnerships with the public education sector to enable its scale. Previously, Nyari was the Managing Director of ThoughtWorks Africa, where she led digital transformation programs for enterprises across the continent. She is also the co-founder of FoldLeft Consulting, advising organisations on navigating the transition from legacy systems to modern digital solutions. A thought leader in her field, she speaks at global conferences on building high-performing teams and integrating technology with business strategy. Nyari also serves on the board of NEMISA, contributing to South Africa’s national digital skills agenda.

Pat Mahlangu is an award-winning marketing and media entrepreneur, and the founder of Pat on Brands, a digital platform at the forefront of brand insights. With over 12 years of experience, Pat holds a BCom, BCom Honours, and MCom from the University of Johannesburg, and is an internationally certified digital marketer. In 2020, he launched Lerato Agency, a PR and Digital Creative Agency. Pat co-authored The Book Every Marketer Should Most Definitely Read, which was recently published. He is committed to youth empowerment, creating the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. Pat has served on various industry bodies, including IAB South Africa and Brand Africa. In 2023, he was named one of the Top 200 Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian and was honoured as the Emerging Marketer of the Year by IMM.

Mohau Polo Mohau Polo Leteka is a highly accomplished and experienced entrepreneur and private equity investor. She is the Founder and CEO of IDF Capital - a South African based entrepreneurial financier and advisory firm. Through IDF Capital, Polo has contributed towards changeling investments into women owned SMEs across South Africa. In 2015, she co-founded AlitheiaIDF to continue investing in high growth businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa that are women owned and led. Mohau is an accountant by training, and has varied experience in both the Public and Private sectors of South Africa which includes accounting and auditing, corporate finance, investment banking, public policy formulation, venture capital and private equity in the SME sector. At a fairly young age, Mohau was tasked with leading the process of developing South Africa's first ever Codes of Good Practice on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment which is a Government policy seeking to transform the South African economic landscape to be more reflective of its population demographics. As a result of this ground breaking work which has changed how Corporate South Africa interacts with the rest of the economy, she is considered a thought leader in areas of economic transformation and development. Mohau is a an accomplished public speaker, contributor to thought leadership articles on transformation and entrepreneurship. She was also part of South Africa's version of the Dragons Den show and is also a co-Author of a book called ".....and for all these reasons, I'M IN.....", which seeks to assist entrepreneurs to become investor ready. Mohau is the current President of Association of Black Securities and Investment Professional (ABSIP).

Ray White Ray White is a seasoned broadcaster and journalist with a passion for radio. After winning the inaugural MTN News Reader of the Year Award in 2010 and later being inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, Ray works for 702. You will often hear him on the Breakfast or Money shows, stepping in where needed. He brings vast experience with his extensive career working for radio stations ranging from 5fm and SAfm to 702 and CapeTalk – along with a short career at eNCA. Ray also runs his own media company and a school of broadcasting.

Renowned entrepreneur and founder of Missing Link, Rich Mulholland is a global speaker with a profound understanding of persuasive leadearship, having spoken in over 40 countries on 6 continents.

Motshwane Sarah Sebetola Motshwane Sarah Sebetola is a dynamic entrepreneur with a resilient mindset and a passion for building a business of the future. She co-founded Tshepiso Branding Solutions in 2018 to help clients (ABSA, Visa, MSC Cruises, Spur Corp, Steinmuller, leroy Merlin among others) tell their ‘green’ stories with authenticity, purpose and a commitment to a thriving planet. The Sandton-based company offers a range of eco-friendly branding solutions – gifts, merchandise, expo stands, digital business cards, signage, outdoor advertising, vehicle branding, marketing collateral, as well as recycled items from outdated marketing collateral. In 2023, Sarah won first prize in the Standard Bank Basali Development Programme business pitch competition, outshining 105 other women by showing how her expansion plans align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, 11, 4 and 5. In 2024, she won the South African Future Trust (SAFT) Women in Business Award in partnership with Standard Bank.

Saul Kornik is the founder and CEO of Kena Health, an app that connects patients with nurses, doctors, and mental health professionals via text, voice, or video. Since its launch in 2022, Kena Health has delivered over 45,000 low-cost consultations and achieved a 4.8/5 rating on the app store. Saul also co-founded Healthforce, a telemedicine platform integrated with clinics across South Africa, delivering over 5 million nurse consultations and 350,000 telemedicine consultations. Prior to Kena and Healthforce, Saul co-founded Africa Health Placements (AHP), placing over 4,200 doctors to serve rural communities. Saul holds a postgraduate degree in machine learning, is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and has been awarded the Archbishop Tutu African Leadership, Yale World, and Rainer Arnhold Mulago Fellowships.

Shayne Mann is the co-founder and CEO of Mann Made, an award-winning experiential brand agency working with top local and global Fortune 500 companies. With over 24 years of experience in media, marketing, and eventing, Shayne has successfully led Mann Made to become a leading brand experience agency in Africa, crafting unforgettable experiences that foster human connection and potential. As a Singularity alumnus and co-CEO of SingularityU South Africa, Shayne is passionate about using exponential technologies to drive positive change across the continent. Beyond his business ventures, Shayne is actively engaged in entrepreneurship and the local start-up community. He has partnered with Dr. Taddy Blecher to support education for young South Africans and, alongside his brothers, has invested in industries such as property, medicine, music, media, and tech. Shayne also embraces the longevity mindset, continually exploring ways to enhance his health while enjoying quality time with his four daughters.

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Søren Lassen Since completing a degree in business at Copenhagen Business School, Søren Henrik Bang Lassen has been manufacturing designed furniture and moulded plywood for over 43 years. In this time, he has realised that ‘his work’ has much more to do with people and their lives than delivering hand-made chairs crafted using technology and laminating presses dating back decades. Before Woodlam, Søren owned Formply which supplied the furniture industry with components needed by manufacturers to assemble and upholster furniture. Although Søren has been involved in a number of manufacturing companies, some of which he started and others that he worked for, his passion has always been in working with wood, specifically moulded plywood, to design beautifully-crafted furniture. Søren has been a Director and board member of Cape Pine Investment Holdings and Airton Timbers. He was also involved in the creation of the Cape Furniture Initiative Furniture Competition and was a judge for a number of years.

Stacey Brewer is the co-founder and Group CEO of SPARK Schools, an independent private school network that provides high-quality education at a price point comparable to what the government currently spends per learner. In 2012, Stacey co-founded SPARK Schools with a mission to change lives by ensuring that families who have been previously underserved have access to affordable, quality education. Today's network has more than 15,000 learners enrolled in 26 schools across South Africa. Stacey has won numerous awards and accolades, including being appointed to the board of the Global Schools Forum, which focuses on how non-state providers can drive education in developing markets.

Stephan Bredell is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Plato Coffee Group, a rapidly growing business in the coffee industry. He has founded multiple ventures, drawing from his extensive experience in the corporate sector, including his time at King Price Insurance where he was a full-time imagineer. His passion for coffee, brand building and entrepreneurship inspired him to build a company that delivers a unique, high-quality coffee experience. Stephan is a family man and a proud father of four boys.

Thabelo Raphala Thabelo Raphala is a visionary business leader, accountant, auditor, and strategist with a wealth of experience across multiple sectors, including hospitality, retail, security, manufacturing, and logistics, where she co-founded several ventures. With over a decade of service at the Auditor General South Africa (AGSA), Thabelo has been instrumental in driving strategic audit projects, leading transformative enterprise and supplier development (ESD) initiatives, and contributing to the modernization and inclusivity of the audit industry. Her tenure at the AGSA has been marked by her invaluable support to EXCO and Executive Committees, where her expertise in business and corporate governance has proven indispensable. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and economic transformation, Thabelo's impact extends to her work at My Dough, a business incubator and accelerator supporting over 6,000 enterprises across South Africa. Through this platform, she has empowered countless businesses to achieve sustainable growth, and her efforts were critical in helping over 1,000 businesses recover from the 2021 SA Looting and KZN floods. Her leadership and dedication have provided businesses with the resources and resilience needed to thrive in challenging environments. Thabelo's influence transcends boardrooms and audits—she serves as a business coach on Capricorn FM, where her mentorship reaches over 600,000 listeners, offering valuable insights on entrepreneurship and business strategy. She is also an accomplished author, contributing thought-provoking articles to Accountancy SA Magazine, where she shares her expertise on business and leadership. Her leadership extends into the entrepreneurial space as a judge for the Young Leaders Connect (YLC) Awards(2023 and 2024), which supports the growth of startups and SMMEs, as well as the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards(2024). Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a Top 35 under 35 by SAICA in 2022. In 2023, she was honored with the Mail & Guardian Power of Women Award in the Entrepreneurship category, and she is a Woman of Stature Nominee in 2023. Thabelo Raphala’s career exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a profound commitment to driving change in business and society. Through her extensive contributions, she continues to inspire, empower, and elevate the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders in South Africa.

Timothy Treagus Tim Treagus is the founder and CEO of Yazi, a market research platform transforming data collection across Africa and emerging markets through WhatsApp-based surveys. He founded Billo, an e-commerce brand, while completing his Business Science degree at the University of Cape Town. Tim has a passion for using AI and WhatsApp to unlock access to hard-to-reach communities and deeper customer insights. He brings deep industry experience from running Yazi, a research services business that has worked with prestigious clients such as Harvard, Ipsos, Discovery, Old Mutual, and Yoco.

Tumelo Mothotoane is an accomplished entrepreneur, renowned media personality, and speaker, celebrated for her eloquence, charisma, and in-depth understanding of socio-economic issues. With over a decade of experience in broadcasting and journalism, Tumelo has made her mark as a trusted voice in South Africa’s media landscape, having worked with major networks such as SABC and eNCA. She brings a wealth of knowledge, seamlessly blending her journalistic expertise with her passion for storytelling to deliver impactful narratives. As a sought-after host and facilitator, Tumelo's dynamic presence energises any stage she graces. Beyond her media career, she is deeply committed to uplifting African stories, advocating for change, and addressing key socio-economic challenges through her platform, The Tumelo Mothotoane Network.

Zinhle Mncube Zinhle Mncube, Head of Business Development and Partnerships at 22 On Sloane, brings over a decade of experience in investment banking, impact investment, programme management and economic and enterprise development. He oversees business development, stakeholder relations, project management, research, and impact, including the company’s strategy rollout. His initial role as an investment associate at 22 On Sloane involved overseeing their Accelerator Programme for high-impact digital tech start-ups in Africa from ‘start to scale’. Zinhle's career includes four years at Standard Bank's corporate and investment bank, two years in entrepreneurship, and four years at Knowledge Pele leading enterprise and industrial development initiatives. In 2020, he joined Old Mutual Alternative Investments as an asset manager for their Housing Impact Fund South Africa (HIFSA), focused on developing, funding, and managing affordable housing projects. Zinhle holds an MPhil and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.

Grant Prince, Fetola Head of Investments, leverages deep sector knowledge on assisting SMEs with accessing finance and has designed innovative SME financing mechanisms to support entrepreneurs at the base of the economy. He has worked with hundreds of SMEs across all sectors and plays a pivotal role in Fetola’s national business accelerators in building emerging SMEs.