Hlayisani Capital
Overview
Hlayisani Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm dedicated to fostering growth and creating lasting impact in South Africa and across Africa. The firm focuses on high-growth businesses in sectors such as technology, healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing, aiming to partner with visionary founders who drive meaningful change. Hlayisani Capital is a level 2 B-BBEE black-owned fund manager. The firm's investment strategy involves providing capital, strategic support, and access to global markets for businesses with scalable, technology-enabled solutions that demonstrate strong ESG standards and metrics. Hlayisani Capital's investment geography primarily focuses on South African-linked businesses expanding globally, with considerations for attractive opportunities in Southern Africa and the rest of Africa where the team has a strong network and can transact and influence transactions meaningfully. Hlayisani Capital has a proven track record, having raised R1.4 billion (approximately $115 million) to date. The firm has invested in over 50 venture capital or angel investments and has directors on more than 20 VC and PE-backed companies. Their portfolio includes companies like Sudonum, Opennetworks, Wyzetalk, Ikeja, Snapplify, and LEAP, reflecting a diverse range of industries and sectors. The firm has been recognized with awards such as VC of the Year 2021/2022 and Best VC in the Southern African Region 2021/2022, highlighting its impact and success in the investment landscape. Hlayisani Capital's approach combines a deep understanding of local markets with global expertise, identifying unique opportunities and driving transformational change. The firm's team is committed to nurturing and developing the entrepreneurial talent across the continent, aligning with their name, which means 'to protect and nurture'.
Investment Focus
- High-growth, technology-enabled businesses
- Strong ESG standards
- Scalable solutions with global growth ambitions
- Viable prospects in agriculture, education, ICT, medical, and manufacturing sectors
Portfolio Companies
Reach Hlayisani Capital directly
Verified work email, phone and LinkedIn for the full team — one spreadsheet, one payment, yours to keep.
Unlock full contacts →Frequently asked questions about Hlayisani Capital
What sectors does Hlayisani Capital invest in?
Hlayisani Capital invests in Technology, Healthcare, Education, Agriculture and Manufacturing, and is based in Gauteng, South Africa. Hlayisani Capital is listed as a private equity in the ConnectSafely investor database.
What stage does Hlayisani Capital invest at?
Hlayisani Capital backs companies at Growth, Buyout, Turnaround and Distressed, writing cheques of 5M - 20M.
Which regions does Hlayisani Capital invest in?
Hlayisani Capital invests across Kenya, Somalia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Rwanda.
Who are the partners at Hlayisani Capital?
Team members listed for Hlayisani Capital include Brett Commaille (Partner and co-founder) and Mathew Palin (Partner).
What companies has Hlayisani Capital invested in?
Hlayisani Capital's portfolio includes LEAP, Wyzetalk, Snapplify, Sudonum, Opennetworks and Ikeja.
How do I contact Hlayisani Capital?
Hlayisani Capital's contact details — including LinkedIn — are listed in the ConnectSafely investor database, along with its website and the LinkedIn profiles of its partners.
Last updated · Source: ConnectSafely investor database