understand the constraint
look at the product, customers, revenue and team. identify the question that matters now.
startup acceleration
turn early progress
into a stronger business
you have started building. perhaps customers are interested but not returning, the product works but distribution is uncertain, or growth is revealing gaps in the team.
who this is for
an existing team.
a useful next step.
we explore support for south african startups with a product or meaningful customer-validation work, a fit with our shared interests and a willingness to work closely on the business.
a clear problem and honest evidence are more useful than presentation polish. international potential matters; you do not need to be selling abroad already.
our venture builder and investment firm share the same seven areas of interest. the stage changes the evidence we need and the contribution the business requires.
explore our shared areas ↗the work
focus on what is holding progress back
define a milestone
choose a result that would materially improve the business and specify how it will be measured.
work on the business
focus the relevant support on pricing, retention, distribution, product priorities or operating capability.
review what changed
assess the evidence and decide whether to continue, change direction or prepare for an investment conversation.
what progress should mean
a clearer customer.
a more capable business.
a better-understood customer, an improved model, a tested route to market or greater readiness for the next stage.
we begin with an exploratory conversation. availability, delivery capacity, scope and time commitment are agreed individually, together with any fees, equity or proposed capital contribution. there is no standard cohort or funding offer announced here.
startup support and investment remain separate decisions.
before we begin
a few practical questions
is this a fixed accelerator programme?
no standard cohort, timetable or investment cheque is announced. we explore focused support individually, based on the business, the milestone and available delivery capacity.
what makes a useful milestone?
a result that would change the business: evidence of repeat use, a tested distribution route, clearer pricing or removal of a product constraint. agree the measure, the responsible people and a review point before the work begins.
does support lead automatically to investment?
no. any investment is a separate assessment and decision. the next step may be more development, another capital provider or another route suited to the company.
what happens next
a small first step
- introduce — share the essentials and an optional pitch deck if you have a company. short, specific answers are enough.
- explore the fit — a person considers the purpose, stage and evidence, then identifies what else is needed.
- agree the next step — where there is potential to work together, discuss a conversation, assessment or defined milestone.
an introduction commits neither side to a partnership or investment.
how we review opportunities ↗