Investors | Innovation Bridge Portal

Innovation Fund

High-tech SMEs are vital drivers of economic growth and job creation, yet many struggle to survive due to a lack of early-stage funding. To address this, South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) launched the Innovation Fund, designed to de-risk early-stage tech enterprises and build a sustainable pipeline of investable startups. With a focus on leveraging public–private co-investment, supporting commercialisation of local innovations, and strengthening the innovation ecosystem, this catalytic fund is poised to transform South Africa’s innovation landscape. Ready to learn how this game-changing initiative is reshaping the future? Let’s dive deeper!

Innovation Fund Page

Elea Foundation

Elea Foundation, a philanthropic impact investor, exists to fight absolute poverty with entrepreneurial means, capitalizing on the benefits and opportunities of globalization.

FINCA Ventures

FINCA Ventures is an impact investing initiative of FINCA International that provides patient capital and support to early-stage social enterprises. The firm provides patient capital and hands-on support to high-impact, early-stage social enterprises that offer affordable, high-quality and life

Global Innovation Fund

The Global Innovation Fund is a non-profit, impact-first investment fund that improves lives by funding social innovations. The Fund supports innovators at all stages of their life cycle, from start-up and pilot testing through to larger scale implementation. The innovations we fund can be located

Goodwell Investments

Goodwell is a forward-thinking investment company that supports fostering greater inclusivity in society. Our purpose is to support driven business owners who are resolving local problems daily.

Kawisafi Ventures

KawiSafi Ventures is a for-profit impact Fund which aims to catalyze an emerging high-growth potential off-grid solar energy ecosystem in East Africa.

Not really where you want to be?

Not to worry, as most journeys are seldom in a straight line from start to finish. You might find more suitable partners in our other communities on the portal. Check out our ‘entrepreneur’ or ‘innovator’ sections for more information.

Innovator

Are you an innovator?

You don’t want to start your own enterprise, but have a passion for creating new knowledge, processes, products, or models. You’re probably a researcher that wants others to benefit from your unique intellectual property and, looking to license or further develop your innovation.

Entrepreneur

Are you an Entrepreneur?

You want to be your own boss and have the drive to recognize opportunities and transform them into valuable enterprises. Or you already have an established enterprise(s).