OUR HISTORY

About 1
KNIFE FUND I: HBD Venture Capital

Knife Capital was established in 2010 as the incarnation of the South African venture capital division of ‘Here Be Dragons’ – a privately owned emerging market investment group founded by internet entrepreneur and cosmonaut Mark Shuttleworth. Knife Capital took over the management of seven HBD portfolio companies to create a managed fund. Exits include CSense (Analytics Software) to US technology giant General Electric, Fundamo (Mobile Financial Services) to VISA and orderTalk (online food ordering software) to Uber Eats.

About 3
GRINDSTONE : ACCELERATOR

The Knife Capital team launched the Grindstone Accelerator, a structured entrepreneurship programme, in 2013. The mission was to provide the opportunity for earlier stage South African tech start-ups to benefit from the Knife Capital learnings. With a curriculum designed by Knife Capital, the programme takes South African SMES with proven traction through an intensive year-long review of their strategies and provides them with the necessary support to build a foundation for growth In becoming a more investable, sustainable and marketable company while ensuring exit-readiness.

About 5
KNIFE FUND II: KNF Ventures

Section 12J of the Income Tax Act was introduced by the South African Government to encourage South African taxpayers to invest in local companies and receive a 100% tax deduction of the value of their investment. In 2016, Knife Capital launched KNF Ventures, a SARS Section 12J Venture Capital Company (VCC), becoming Knife’s Fund II. By leveraging Knowledge, Networks & Funding, KNF Ventures accelerates the growth of South African innovation-driven SMEs and generates enhanced returns for investors.

About 7
UK EXPANSION

Knife Capital introduces the Draper-Gain Family Office as strategic investor and expands to the UK to accelerate the international growth of portfolio companies.

About 9
KNIFE FUND II: EXTENSION

Knife launched a second Section 12J Venture Capital Company to extend the offering. KNF Ventures II has the same investment mandate as the first section 12J Fund and will continue to build on the success and momentum created. For more information about this fund please contact invest@knifecap.com

About 11
KNIFE FUND III:

In 2021, Knife launched Knife Fund III, a new $50 million fund to invest behind the aggressive expansion of South African breakout companies that achieved a product/market fit, thereby filling a critical follow-on funding gap. For more information about this fund please contact invest@knifecap.com.

OUR TEAM

With 20 years’ experience in investment and venture capital, Keet is committed to propel African high-growth startups onto the global stage. Driven by a commitment to fostering Africa’s early-stage funding ecosystem, Keet remains passionate about developing a credible VC asset class.

PARTNER | CAPE TOWN

Keet van Zyl

With 20 years’ experience in investment and venture capital, Keet is committed to propel African high-growth startups onto the global stage. Driven by a commitment to fostering Africa’s early-stage funding ecosystem, Keet remains passionate about developing a credible VC asset class.

Ayanda brings expertise in business analysis, valuations, and portfolio monitoring from her experience at Futuregrowth Asset Management. As an Investment Associate, she also supports IC presentations and legal reviews, adding valuable insights to the team.

INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE | CAPE TOWN

Ayanda Bolani

Ayanda brings expertise in business analysis, valuations, and portfolio monitoring from her experience at Futuregrowth Asset Management. As an Investment Associate, she also supports IC presentations and legal reviews, adding valuable insights to the team.

Martin, an admitted attorney with 15 years’ experience, provides strategic legal oversight at Knife Capital. Having worked as in-house counsel across industries, he joined Knife in 2020 to strengthen the group’s legal framework.

HEAD OF LEGAL | CAPE TOWN

Martin Cloete

Martin, an admitted attorney with 15 years’ experience, provides strategic legal oversight at Knife Capital. Having worked as in-house counsel across industries, he joined Knife in 2020 to strengthen the group’s legal framework.

With extensive experience in financial leadership, Vivienne manages Knife Capital’s complex fund structures and LP relationships. She supports portfolio companies with financial coaching, contributing to the team’s growth-focused strategy.

GROUP CFO | CAPE TOWN

Vivienne van der Westhuizen

With extensive experience in financial leadership, Vivienne manages Knife Capital’s complex fund structures and LP relationships. She supports portfolio companies with financial coaching, contributing to the team’s growth-focused strategy.

Catherine is a dynamic entrepreneur and investor. A partner at Knife Capital and founder of Thinkroom, she brings expertise in scaling growth-stage businesses and advancing entrepreneurial ecosystems. Her innovative approach to business development makes her a key industry authority.

PARTNER | CAPE TOWN

Catherine Young

Catherine is a dynamic entrepreneur and investor. A partner at Knife Capital and founder of Thinkroom, she brings expertise in scaling growth-stage businesses and advancing entrepreneurial ecosystems. Her innovative approach to business development makes her a key industry authority.

Thandiwe is a Chartered Accountant with strong skills in financial modelling and strategic consulting. Known for her high-standard delivery, she effectively engages with executive teams and enhances Knife’s investment capabilities.

INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE | JO'BURG

Thandiwe Maqetuka

Thandiwe is a Chartered Accountant with strong skills in financial modelling and strategic consulting. Known for her high-standard delivery, she effectively engages with executive teams and enhances Knife’s investment capabilities.

Joining Knife Capital as Head of Risk in 2019, Davey combines his legal expertise with an MBA from Cambridge. Previously, he advised UHNW families on managing risk globally. At Knife, he ensures strategic compliance and risk management across the portfolio.

PARTNER | JERSEY

Davey Gant

Joining Knife Capital as Head of Risk in 2019, Davey combines his legal expertise with an MBA from Cambridge. Previously, he advised UHNW families on managing risk globally. At Knife, he ensures strategic compliance and risk management across the portfolio.

Johnathan supports Knife Capital’s portfolio growth, drawing from his background in digital innovation and technology transfer at Africa’s top research university. His focus is on helping companies achieve their growth potential within Knife’s portfolio.

INVESTMENT MANAGER | CAPE TOWN

Johnathan Smit

Johnathan supports Knife Capital’s portfolio growth, drawing from his background in digital innovation and technology transfer at Africa’s top research university. His focus is on helping companies achieve their growth potential within Knife’s portfolio.

Eben van Heerden is a seasoned investment professional with over 25 years in M&A, private equity, and venture capital. As co-founder of Knife Capital, he has been instrumental in positioning VC as a credible asset class in South Africa.

PARTNER | LONDON

Eben van Heerden

Eben van Heerden is a seasoned investment professional with over 25 years in M&A, private equity, and venture capital. As co-founder of Knife Capital, he has been instrumental in positioning VC as a credible asset class in South Africa.

 VENTURE PARTNERS

Richard Dewing

Richard Dewing

Richard Dewing is an Entrepreneur, Investor and CEO and Co-Founder of various technology businesses with a focus on investment and development of technology businesses with global market appeal. Richard has successfully launched and led technology and related businesses for over 20 years and has worked extensively in the field across the globe in both developed and developing countries from South America, the USA, across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pac, Australia and most extensively across Africa. As a Venture Partner, Richard adds a broad range of expertise and experience to the Knife Capital offering. Richard also serves on the Investment Committee for both KNF Fund I and II.
Mike Joubert

Mike Joubert

Over a 30 year plus career, Mike has held various executive roles including CMO of Computicket, Strategic Marketing Director of Ogilvy, CMO of Diageo South Africa, CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. South Africa, Vice President of Marketing for Levi Strauss & Co. in Europe and Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi South Africa. In addition he also founded and successfully sold The BrandsRock Group to the Publicis Groupe gaining invaluable entrepreneurial experience. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Knife Capital fold as a Venture Partner which is put to good use across the portfolio as and when needed. Mike also serves as Chairman of the Board of KNF I portfolio company Quicket.

 VENTURE PARTNERS

About 13

Richard Dewing

Richard Dewing is an Entrepreneur, Investor and CEO and Co-Founder of various technology businesses with a focus on investment and development of technology businesses with global market appeal. Richard has successfully launched and led technology and related businesses for over 20 years and has worked extensively in the field across the globe in both developed and developing countries from South America, the USA, across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pac, Australia and most extensively across Africa. As a Venture Partner, Richard adds a broad range of expertise and experience to the Knife Capital offering. Richard also serves on the Investment Committee for both KNF Fund I and II.
About 15

Mike Joubert

Over a 30 year plus career, Mike has held various executive roles including CMO of Computicket, Strategic Marketing Director of Ogilvy, CMO of Diageo South Africa, CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. South Africa, Vice President of Marketing for Levi Strauss & Co. in Europe and Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi South Africa. In addition he also founded and successfully sold The BrandsRock Group to the Publicis Groupe gaining invaluable entrepreneurial experience. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Knife Capital fold as a Venture Partner which is put to good use across the portfolio as and when needed. Mike also serves as Chairman of the Board of KNF I portfolio company Quicket.

EXTERNAL  BOARD & IC MEMBERS

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Conrad Amm

Director of Skybound Capital Group.
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Abraham van der Merwe

Successful South African serial tech entrepreneur.
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Nchaupe Khaole

Chief Investment Officer at the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC).
About 23

Valter Adão

CEO and Digital Leader for Cadena Growth Partners, a digital and innovation advisory firm and former Chief Digital and Innovation Officer at Deloitte Africa.
About 25

Richard Dewing

CEO of Cibecs.
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Chris Seabrooke

A director of over 25 stock exchange-listed companies and currently serves as CEO of Sabvest.
About 29

Peter Gain

Chairman of Draper Gain Investments Ltd and a director of various privately held investment companies around the world.
About 31

Francois Malan

Digital imaging and space industry veteran, investor, and Venture Partner at Knife Capital. Board member at Simera Sense.

INVESTMENT & COLLABORATION PARTNERS

About 33

Partner

  • Skybound
Skybound Capital is a fund management business, providing investment products for family offices, private clients, financial advisors and Institutions. Skybound is an investor in KNF Ventures.
https://www.skyboundcapital.com/
About 35

Partner

  • SA SME
The SA SME Fund is a Fund of Funds created to help companies grow and create jobs in South Africa. SA SME is an investor in KNF Ventures, Grindstone and Knife Fund III.
https://sasmefund.co.za/
About 37

Partner

  • IFC
A member of the World Bank Group, IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries. The IFC is an LP in Knife Fund III.
https://www.ifc.org
About 39

Partner

  • MIC
The Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC) is a 100% Black-owned Investment Company established in 1995 by the Mineworkers Investment Trust (MIT). MIC is the anchor LP in Knife Fund III.
https://mic.co.za/
About 41

Partner

  • Draper Gain
Knife Capital is closely affiliated with Draper Gain Investments, a single family office based in London.
About 43

Partner

  • Standard Bank
Standard Bank Group is a major South African bank and financial services group. It is Africa’s biggest lender by assets. Standard Bank is an LP in Knife Fund III.
https://www.standardbank.co.za/
About 45

Partner

  • Stanford Business School
Knife Capital has a close relationship with Stanford Business School and has a longstanding annual intern programme which takes on MBA students every SA summer.
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/
About 47

Partner

  • Thinkroom
Thinkroom Consulting is a management consultancy firm, headquartered in Olifantsfontein, South Africa. Knife Capital is closely affiliated with Thinkroom, co-owning and managing Grindstone and Grindstone Ventures.
https://thinkroom.co/
About 49

Partner

  • SAVCA
Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association of which Knife Capital is a member.
https://savca.co.za/
About 51

Partner

  • SiMODiSA
SiMODiSA aims to be the golden thread that connects SA’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Keet is on the ExCo.
https://www.simodisa.org/
About 53

Partner

  • Wesgro
Andrea Böhmert is on the Board of Wesgro – the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape.
https://www.wesgro.co.za/corporate/home
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Partner

  • Harvard Kennedy School and Business School
Knife Capital has a close relationship with Harvard Business School/Harvard Kennedy School and has a longstanding annual intern programme which takes on MBA students every SA summer.
https://www.hks.harvard.edu/
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Partner

  • Fireball Capital
Fireball Capital is a VC firm headquartered in Cape Town. The firm seeks to invest in fintech, healthcare, edtech, SaaS, retail, logistics, communication, adtech, secure tech sectors.
https://www.fireballcapital.co.za/
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Partner

  • AfricaGrow
Managed by Allianz, AfricaGrow is a fund of funds domiciled in Germany that aims to support small- and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups in Africa.
https://africagrow.allianzgi.com/

FSB Licenses

FSCA DISCLOSURE:

 

In terms of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) providers of financial services are obliged under certain circumstances to obtain client information and to report certain financial transactions.

 

KNIFE CAPITAL (PTY) LTD – FSP41642

 

A copy of the license is displayed. The FSP is registered for the following category 1 categories:

  • Shares
  • Warrants, certificates and other instruments

The FSP is a Juristic representative of FyreFem Fund Managers (Pty) Ltd, a registered financial service provider (licence 49359) for category 2, for the above category licences.

KNF VENTURES (RF) (PTY) LTD – FSP46492

 

A copy of the license is displayed. The FSP is registered for the following category 1 categories:

  • Shares
  • Warrants, certificates and other instruments

KNF VENTURES (RF) II (PTY) LTD – FSP50550

 

A copy of the license is displayed. The FSP is registered for the following category 1 categories:

  • Shares

 

Where applicable all information will be kept by the FSPs on a confidential basis and will not be made available to third parties by the FSPs unless so authorised by the client beforehand or if the FSP is required to divulge such information in the public interest or under any law.

 

Potential conflicts of interest are inherent in any business and therefore it is not the aim of the FSP to avoid all conflicts but rather to take steps to identify and manage conflicts of interest to ensure that our clients are not unduly prejudiced. The FSP has a conflict-of-interest policy and register in place which can be viewed upon request.

 

The FSPs hold professional indemnity insurance.

 

All three FSPs have a complaints resolution process and will reply to any written complaint. A copy of the complaints process is available upon request. Complaints may be lodged by completing the form on the CONTACT US page . If you are dissatisfied with the response, you may refer your complaint to KC’s Compliance Officer, or if you are still dissatisfied with your response, to the Office of the Ombud for Financial Services Providers, at info@faisombud.co.za or telephone number 0860 324 766. The Ombud has been created to provide you with a redress mechanism for any inappropriate financial advice that you feel may have been given to you by a financial services provider.

 

Compliance Officer:

Jan Scholtz – Compli-Serve Group
Website: www.compliserve.co.za
Telephone: 087 697 6970

 

Registrar of Securities Services:

 

Financial Sector Conduct Authority
Website: www.fsca.co.za
Telephone: 0800110443

 

FSB License: Knife Capital
FSB License: KNF II
FSB License: Knife Ventures