Since the Fund’s existence, a solid foundation of exciting investments has been concluded.
CubeSpace
CubeSpace is a Stellenbosch University spinout and a global leader in satellite Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS), supplying high-performance control hardware, actuators, and integrated software used on more than 400 satellite missions worldwide. With unmatched flight heritage, industry-leading lead times (8–10 weeks, targeting 4), and a newly industrialised product line for the rapidly growing microsatellite market, CubeSpace has secured major strategic milestones — including selection for the first two test satellites of a planned EU constellation and strengthening its international footprint through new Ireland and German entities. Consistently outperforming revenue and EBITDA forecasts and named by NASA as one of only two global leaders in satellite control systems, CubeSpace combines deep IP, strong margins (~90% on in-house components), and accelerating demand across commercial, defense, and constellation markets, positioning it as a category-defining supplier in the global space industry.
Investment stage:
Series-B
JemHR
Jem HR is a South African HR-tech platform that transforms how employers support frontline, “deskless” workers by delivering HR services—payslips, timesheets, rosters, leave management, communication and benefits—directly over WhatsApp, bypassing traditional email or bulky employee-self-service apps. Designed for sectors like retail, cleaning, security, logistics and manufacturing, Jem replaces paper-based, inefficient HR workflows with a simple, mobile-first solution that meets workers where they already are. Its suite includes not only HR admin but also financial-wellness tools like earned-wage access, savings, and affordable phone/data plans — giving underserved workers access to essential financial services and improving engagement, inclusion and retention.
Investment stage:
Series-A
Zawadi
Zawadi is a transformative digital distribution platform that enhances access to digital products and services within Africa’s informal market. The company utilizes a gamified, multilevel marketing (MLM) platform and a nationwide network of skilled sales agents to establish direct connections between suppliers and underserved customers.
Zawadi’s innovative approach focuses on empowering entrepreneurs by providing world-class training and mentorship, enabling sales agents to transition into successful business owners. This model not only tackles unemployment but also drives sustainable economic growth within local communities.
With key partnerships in telecommunications, offering fixed wireless and fiber internet services, and ambitious plans for expansion across Africa, Zawadi is strategically positioned to become the continent’s leading digital distribution platform.
Investment stage:
Series-A
Immobazyme
Immobazyme is a South African biotech spin-out from Stellenbosch University, founded in 2019. The company specializes in precision fermentation to produce high-value recombinant proteins—notably animal-free growth factors for the cellular agriculture and cosmetics sectors.
Their proprietary, modular protein expression system allows for scalable, cost-effective production, making advanced biotechnologies more accessible. Immobazyme also develops high-performance enzymes and provides contract research services, supporting industries like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial processing in optimizing processes for efficiency and sustainability.
Investment stage:
Series-A