The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA), in partnership with Investec, has released the shortlist of nominees for the inaugural SAVCA Industry Awards, which will take place on 8 November 2018.
The SAVCA Industry Awards recognise portfolio companies that have thrived from private equity and venture capital investment in the region. The nominees, ranging from start-ups to large companies, come from several sectors in the economy and represent various sizes and types of private equity and venture capital investments.
Tanya van Lill, CEO of Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association
“The quality of nominations that we received was exceptional, which made the shortlisting process very difficult. The shortlist consists of some of the best companies in South Africa and they are not only being recognised for their financial performance, but also for their positive contributions to the country”, says Tanya van Lill, CEO, Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.
Nominees are companies that have formed part of private equity companies’ portfolios within the last two years. The shortlisted companies will be researched as part of the awards process before a judging panel of seasoned business leaders determines the winners.
Making a positive contribution to South Africa
“These nominees are a great representation of successful companies that make a positive contribution to South Africa, with many excelling in job creation, innovation, and providing products and services that enable all South Africans to succeed,” says Lourens van Rensburg, head of Investec Corporate and Institutional Banking.
The short-listed companies have been the beneficiaries of private equity and venture capital investment within the last two years. The shortlist was drawn up based on analysis by research firm Intellidex.
The judging criteria includes:
Evidence of growth, including profit and investor returns
Job preservation/creation
Innovation
Environmental impact
Social impact
Leadership team/reputation“Winners will be distinctive businesses that stand out among their peers and demonstrate bold and authentic leadership, with a progressive culture that makes a wider contribution to society,” adds van Lill.
Winners will also have been beneficiaries of private equity and venture capital investors, not only in terms of financial capital but also in terms of mentorship and guidance in accessing new markets or development in their businesses.
SAVCA Industry Awards 2018 official shortlist
| Category | Nominee | Nominee overview | Nominated by |
| Large companies | Fidelity Security | An integrated security solutions provider, celebrating its 61st year in 2018 | RMB Corvest |
| Tsebo Solutions Group | South Africa’s third largest outsourced services provider, operating in 23 countries with 34,000 employees | Rockwood |
| Kwikot | Leader in domestic and industrial hot water systems, with a 115-year history | RMB Corvest |
| Vumatel | Pioneer in growing the fibre-to-home industry in SA as a source of fast reliable internet | Vantage Capital |
| Medium-sized companies | Royal Schools | Pioneer in low cost private education, with excellent academic results | Old Mutual Alternative Investments |
| Tessara | Leader in ‘fresh science’ to enable fresh produce to stay fresh for longer. Two thirds of output is exported | RMB Ventures |
| i-Pay Security Payment | A payments infrastructure for the South African and Nigerian economies, now rolling out to other markets | Kalon Venture Partners |
| Small companies | SweepSouth | A home cleaning platform that connects households with domestic workers | Edge Growth |
| Ucook | Fast-growing ‘meal kit’” business providing fresh foods to households to cook with innovative recipes | Silvertree Internet Holdings |
