Tech Startups and Entrepreneurs 

This growth is propelled by a network of venture capitalists, angel investors, government grants, and accelerators dedicated to nurturing tech innovation. For South African tech entrepreneurs, understanding and accessing these resources is vital for scaling their ventures.

Venture capital and angel investors
Ajim Capital
Ajim Capital is an early-stage fund providing financing from pre-seed to seed stages, with typical check sizes up to $250,000. The fund offers hands-on strategic advice and access to a global network of investors and experts, aiming to support startups in scaling their operations and achieving sustainable growth.

Accelerate Africa
Accelerate Africa focuses on accelerating early-stage African founders building global businesses that address the continent's most pressing challenges. The program offers mentorship and strategic guidance, as well as access to a network of investors and industry experts, helping startups understand the complexities of scaling in diverse markets.

Government grants and support
Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a public entity established to support technological innovation across all sectors of the economy. TIA provides financial and non-financial support to tech entrepreneurs. This includes funding for technology development, access to infrastructure, and advisory services. Their goal is to facilitate the commercialization of innovative products and services to increase South Africa's global competitiveness.

Startup accelerators
Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa
Google's accelerator program is designed to support Black-led technology startups in South Africa. The three-month hybrid program offers equity-free support, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, mentorship from industry experts, and comprehensive training on product development and business strategy.

The program aims to empower startups to scale their solutions and drive innovation across the continent.

Visa Accelerator Program
The Visa Accelerator Program is designed for fintech startups aiming to scale rapidly by leveraging Visa's extensive network. The program provides mentorship and technical workshops, plus great opportunities for strategic partnerships.

It focuses on areas such as embedded finance, payment infrastructure, and sustainable finance, offering startups a platform to refine their solutions and expand their market reach.

Founder Institute South Africa
The Founder Institute is a global pre-seed startup accelerator with a chapter in South Africa. It offers a structured program that includes mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and networking opportunities. It also offers a comprehensive curriculum covering all aspects of startup development.

The program is designed to help entrepreneurs validate their ideas, build sustainable business models, and prepare for investment.

Savant
Savant is a hardware technology incubator that provides bespoke business development support to tech startups. They partner with inventors and entrepreneurs to commercialize innovative hardware products, offering services such as prototyping assistance, business mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. Savant's focus is on transforming technical concepts into market-ready products.

Navigating the ecosystem
For tech entrepreneurs in South Africa, tapping into these resources requires strategic planning and proactive engagement. Here are some steps to consider:

• Understand the specific focus areas of each investor, grant, or accelerator to be sure it aligns with your startup's mission and stage of development.
• Whether seeking investment or applying to an accelerator, present a compelling value proposition, a clear business model, and evidence of market traction.
• Engage with local tech communities, attend industry events, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs to share experiences and insights.
• The tech landscape is dynamic. Regularly update yourself on new programs, funding opportunities, and industry trends to capitalize on emerging prospects.

By effectively leveraging the available grants, investors, and accelerators, South African tech entrepreneurs can boost their potential for success and contribute to the country's burgeoning tech industry.