Foundry | Naspers

Naspers Foundry

Helping South African entrepreneurs build great tech businesses

How to apply

Naspers Foundry is a South Africa-focused start-up funding initiative that helps talented and ambitious South African technology entrepreneurs develop and grow businesses that improve people’s daily lives.

ZAR 1.4 billion over 3 years to back and support South Africa-focused technology start-ups

Stimulating the South African start-up ecosystem, building the technology businesses of the future

Boosting local economies and creating jobs and opportunities for South Africans

At Naspers we believe that when we invest in an entrepreneur, we are able to bring much more to the table than just funding. We understand what it’s like to build and grow tech businesses, and we share that knowledge to help them succeed. We also recognise the important role that local businesses can play in boosting local economies, which in turn boosts the wider South African economy. That’s why a significant portion of the Naspers Foundry investment will be focused on black-owned South African start-ups.

“We believe the best ideas often starts locally, with passionate entrepreneurs starting businesses that meet the needs of the communities they know best. And when those needs are universal across the markets we know well, with the right backing, there is the future potential for their business to grow beyond their home market." - Bob van Dijk, CEO, Naspers

Helping South African entrepreneurs build great tech businesses:

Our investment extends beyond capital – we will proactively engage with founding teams to help them grow and scale their operations.
Naspers’ global portfolio offers a powerful launchpad for later stage start-ups.
Naspers’ international expertise and global network can help later-stage start-ups accelerate their growth.
Naspers is a long-term investor which invests with a long-term view.

Learn more

We back South Africa-focused technology start-ups that address big societal needs

South Africa

We invest in for-profit tech startups and entrepreneurs who are focussed on South Africa

Technology

Naspers Foundry invests in start-ups that aim to bring technology-driven products and services to the market.

Societal needs

We favour technology start-ups that address big societal needs and which are in line with Naspers' existing global portfolio.

How to apply

If you’ve read our investment criteria and think that you have a great business that the Foundry team needs to know about, complete this webform and submit a PDF of your pitch deck using the template below.

Fill out my online form.

Frequently asked questions

What are the investment criteria?

We back South Africa-focused technology start-ups that meet real consumer needs. In order to be eligible for Foundry funding, your company must meet the following criteria:

Address a big societal need e.g. education, healthcare, job creation and/or be aligned to Naspers Group’s existing portfolio.
Be driven by a passionate and talented founding team.
Demonstrate proven traction and the potential to scale into other markets.
Be a for-profit company focused on South Africa.
Bring a technology-driven product or service to the market.

How can I apply for funding?

If you want to apply for Foundry funding, you’ll be required to send through a pitch deck summarising your company, the problem you’re aiming to solve and the market opportunity. A template pitch deck can be found on the Foundry homepage.

Will I receive any mentorship as part of the scheme?

Naspers Foundry is neither an incubator nor an accelerator with a structured mentorship programme. We however pride ourselves on understanding local markets and entrepreneurs. Our investment extends beyond capital – we will proactively engage with founding teams to help them grow and scale their operations.

I’m not a South African citizen, but my business operates in the country. Can I receive funding?

Yes, if your business benefits South African society.

How will I know that my application was received by Naspers Foundry?

Applicants will receive acknowledgement emails when they submit the web form and pitch deck.

How much will you be investing?

We have earmarked R1.4bn over a 3-year period to help South African technology entrepreneurs grow their start-ups. Deal sizes will vary, but our focus will be on start-ups raising Series A and Series B funding.

Is there a closing date?

No, there is no closing date.

I’m a South African entrepreneur working abroad. Am I eligible?

Yes. You will be eligible if your tech business addresses a societal need in South Africa.

Will I receive office space?

No, we don’t envisage providing co-working space at this stage.

Where can I query my application?

Contact [email protected] for more information.