Endeavor SA: Why it’s a good time to invest in disruptors

Endeavor South Africa has been making waves in the entrepreneurial space, empowering high-impact entrepreneurs and witnessing a significant growth in its portfolio. The organization has reported a fourfold increase in capital raising, a testament to the success and potential of the companies it works with. Antonia Bothna, the Capital Markets Lead at Endeavor South Africa, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to shed light on the remarkable achievements and opportunities within the tech disruption landscape. This surge in capital raising comes amidst a backdrop of accelerated digitization, where tech-enabled businesses are reaping the benefits of changing market trends. Bothna highlighted the exponential growth in capital raising, revealing that the portfolio of entrepreneurs managed to raise 2 billion rand in 2020 alone, marking a fourfold increase from the previous year. This substantial growth underscores the success and resilience of the high-impact entrepreneurs supported by Endeavor South Africa. These entrepreneurs, as Bothna pointed out, are not startups, but rather companies that have reached an inflection point and are poised for substantial expansion. The conversation with Bothna touched upon the importance of investing in disruptors and businesses that are at the forefront of innovation. In a post-COVID world where digital transformation has become more crucial than ever, backing entrepreneurs who are driving change and disruption is key. Bothna emphasized the significance of identifying sustainable trends within the tech disruption space, highlighting the shift from analog to digital, the rise of e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things as areas of immense potential. Moreover, Bothna shared insights into Endeavor South Africa's mentorship program, a unique initiative that pairs seasoned mentors with budding entrepreneurs to provide guidance and support. The program, operating across 35 different markets globally, offers a network of mentors who volunteer their time to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses. Endeavor's mentorship program goes beyond financial support, offering entrepreneurs access to a trusted network that can facilitate international expansion and growth. For entrepreneurs looking to benefit from Endeavor's mentorship program, Bothna encouraged them to reach out to the organization either through their website or directly contacting the local office in South Africa. The selection process for the program focuses on identifying businesses that are at a critical juncture and in need of capital, market access, and mentorship to propel their growth. Overall, the success story of Endeavor South Africa and the remarkable growth in capital raising underscore the burgeoning opportunities in the tech disruption landscape. As the world continues to evolve rapidly, investing in high-impact entrepreneurs and disruptors presents a promising avenue for growth and innovation. With the right support, mentorship, and access to capital, these entrepreneurs are well-positioned to drive change, disrupt industries, and shape the future of business.