South African business development specialist Edge Growth held its inaugural Investee Day on June 4 in Johannesburg, bringing together small businesses from across its investment portfolio for a day of learning and networking. The event marks a new chapter for the firm, which manages over R2 billion in assets and supports more than 110 active investments.
The gathering brought real-world business lessons to entrepreneurs at different stages of their growth journey. Edge Growth invited SMEs that have benefited from its various funding and mentorship platforms to connect with industry experts and each other.
“Edge Growth is not just about capital – it’s about impact, resilience, and transformation. We’re ‘VC with a twist,’ dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to create systemic change and drive inclusive growth.” said Daniel Hatfield, Founding Director of Edge Growth, who facilitated the event.
Hatfield traced the company’s evolution from a bold idea focused on growing SMEs and creating jobs to becoming one of Africa’s leading impact investors over the past 20 years. The firm recently secured $2.1 million in new funding to continue supporting South African SMEs, particularly those aligned with social impact goals.
Learning from Entrepreneurs Who Made It
The event featured keynote speaker Miles Kubheka, an entrepreneur who successfully pivoted from IT to establish himself as a leading figure in the food industry. His story demonstrated how vision and determination can drive career transformation.
Keshav Mohabir, founder of CAT.design and chief of staff at Art of Scale, delivered practical insights about using AI and technology to boost efficiency and productivity. His background spans social entrepreneurship, technical architecture, and strategic consulting.
Kekeletso Moloto from Jedi Marketing shared marketing and sales insights, offering strategies for building strong brands through clear communication.
Real Stories from the Portfolio
The event’s highlight was a panel discussion featuring three SMEs that have benefited from Edge Growth funding: Everlectric, DKN Transport, and Franc.
Ndia Magadagela, CEO and co-founder of Everlectric, leads the electric vehicle leasing startup that recently secured venture debt funding from Edge Growth’s Vumela Fund. The Pretoria-based company provides full-maintenance leases of commercial electric vehicles to South African businesses.
“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,” Magadagela said about the entrepreneurial mindset.
Dr Thomas Brennan, co-founder of Franc, shared his experience building the fintech startup that makes investing accessible to all South Africans. The investment app requires no minimum investment and has been recognized by Google and won multiple tech awards.
“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,” Brennan explained about the importance of knowing your strengths and building complementary teams.
Nevenka Naidoo from DKN Transport, a logistics company specializing in road freight and cross-border services, spoke about personal sacrifices entrepreneurs face. “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.”
Building Community for Growth
The panel discussion explored major challenges entrepreneurs face, focusing on mindset, business scaling, and technology’s role. The entrepreneurs emphasized that co-founders, team members, coaches, and mentors are among the most valuable assets, alongside tech tools and targeted learning opportunities.
“One of the things you quickly realize 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,” said Moloto about her biggest learning as an entrepreneur.
The event drew inspiration from practices common in the venture capital sector, creating a platform that fosters collaboration, growth, and shared learning among Edge Growth’s diverse portfolio companies.
Impact Beyond Capital
Edge Growth operates under the Edge Growth Ventures umbrella, one of South Africa’s most prominent SME fund managers. The company recently launched its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting accomplishments of SMEs within their network over the past year.
The firm was also named Top SME Financier at the Africa Global Funds Awards and recognized as Impact Intermediary of the Year. Edge Growth continues to lead SME investment in South Africa, managing R2.4 billion in funds.
“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.” said Janice Johnson, chief executive officer of Edge Growth Ventures.
Johnson confirmed the company’s commitment to making this an annual event that continues to support and grow South Africa’s SME ecosystem.
Edge Growth’s three-pronged approach includes ESD strategy for corporates and building SMEs in their value chain, investing in and growing SMEs through fund management, and scaling businesses through accelerator programs.
The inaugural cross-fund Investee Day represents a significant milestone in Edge Growth’s commitment to empowering the diverse small businesses within their investment portfolio across all managed funds.
