MyGrowthFund Venture Partners

MyGrowthFund Venture Partners is a leading venture firm, winner of the Best Impact Investment Firm 2020 - Africa, at the Worldwide Finance Awards in London, UK.

We are an experienced institutional investor whose investment team, a sound investment thesis, strong governance, and controls back the management team and board. 

Our mission is to build 300 sustainable businesses, create 100,000 decent jobs & invest in 100 high-growth ventures by 2030. 

MyGrowthFund is a venture capital firm that backs extraordinary African founders with growth capital to help them internationalize their start-ups. We provide the financial resources and expertise these founders need to scale their businesses, create jobs, and build thriving economies across the continent.

Group Chief Executive Officer

IC Knowledge Bureau

Our existence is a direct result and belief that organisations needs better leaders, personalised strategies and a culture that shapes how people work in organisation. We are focused on how these three elements in a changing world of work will continue to shape organisational performance. 

Ours is to disrupt the current industry and create thought leaders and futurists. In creating better leaders we seek to change the way organisations are led and how people desire to be led in the ever-changing environment. 

Through our engagements whether in facilitation workshops or consulting work we seek to change the culture in how we work and perform at Alpha plus x. Strategies in organisations ought to be relevant to enable personalisation. We believe if you do not personalise you cannot be meaningful and as a result you are unable to create deep connections between the products and customers.

Executive Board Member

The Silicon Cape Initiative

Silicon Cape is an NPO and an ecosystem enabler for tech-enabled startups in the boarder Cape Region of South Africa. We work to connect stakeholders, curate ecosystem data, amplify the stories coming out of the ecosystem and advocate on behalf of stakeholders through its membership programme.

Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

Watermark Afrika Fund Managers

Situated at the beacon of modern capital, the DIFC, Watermark Afrika Fund Managers is an Africa-focused investment and advisory firm. The firm partners with its international clients to develop market entry & growth strategies in Africa.

Africa’s fast-growing youth demographic & technology-driven inclusion presents a good opportunity for any investor seeking to unlock the African opportunity dividend.

Watermark Afrika is a pre-eminent provider of not only capital solutions but also in-country partner matching solutions for global investors and multinationals.

General Partner

Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SAVCA)

The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA) is a non-profit industry association, representing 180 members in Southern Africa, who collectively manage R171bn in assets.

Vusi Thembekwayo Inc

Vusi has come to carry many titles through his work building and transforming hundreds of businesses across Africa and the world. Venture capitalist, elite coach and mentor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author of international acclaim, Vusi is in demand as a catalyst for business change.
His successful track record of partnering with C-Suite executives and entrepreneurs has drawn invitations to share his knowledge and expertise through 180 presentations on four continents and in 38 countries since 2015.

As a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and blue-chip corporates across the world, Vusi has come to be one of the wealthiest young people in Africa and was the youngest African entrepreneur to grace the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine. He has also appeared on CNBC, Bloomberg, and Inc500.
It’s not every day Sir Bob Geldof calls someone “F$&*ing AMAZING,” but Bob is not alone in recognizing Vusi’s ability to distill complex and ground-breaking concepts into actionable soundbites.

Global Speaker

RBA Holdings Ltd

Non-Executive Director. 
Chairman: Social & Ethics Committee.
Member: Audit & Risk Committee 

Mandate: Part of the new leadership team charged with the turnaround of the business.

Recently resigned. Have no further association.

Non-Executive Director & Shareholder

Metcash

I was recruited as an external hire to join the executive and in-fuse new thinking, new ideas, latest trends & test new opportunities for the firm. My role was in part to agitate my fellow executives as well to motivate for new, innovative ideas to the board. 

Here I learned to influence, coerce and barter with my fellow executives for resources, time, prioritization and talent to deliver on projects (as it was initially) and the projects institutionalized, business cases. I worked with my CEO and through the board to build the New Markets business from an idea to a 80 professionals strong division that delivered amongst the highest ROCE in the firm. I reported sales, revenue growth & market share statistic on a bi-weekly basis at the ManCo meeting on a quarterly basis at the ExCo board meeting. 


Started the new business unit with a R650, 000 working capital (excluding fixed assets & inventory). 
Year One: Turnover at R16, 4million.
 EBITDA at R 2,89million. 

Year Two: Turnover at R119, 2 million. 
EBITDA at R14, 558million. 

Year Three: Turnover at R261, 984million. 
EBITDA at R 34, 667million. 

Year Four: Turnover R415, 391million. 
EBITDA at R69, 814million. 

*Consistently achieved the highest EBITDA (as a percentage of sales) & amongst the highest IRRs within the group. 
*Awarded Director of the year, 2009 & 2010.

Director: New Markets

As the Group Chief Executive Officer of MyGrowthFund Venture Partners for over 9 years, I lead a team of experienced institutional investors who back extraordinary African founders with growth capital and expertise. We are the winners of the Best Impact Investment Firm 2020 - Africa, at the Worldwide Finance Awards in London, UK. Our mission is to build 300 sustainable businesses, create 100,000 decent jobs, and invest in 100 high-growth ventures by 2030.

With an Executive MBA , a Corporate Finance certificate, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, I have a strong academic background that complements my practical experience in venture capital, new business development, strategy, and customer relationship management. I am also a global speaker, author, and public speaking world championship finalist, who has spoken to presidents, parliaments, CEOs, and leaders of society, sharing my insights on business leadership and innovation. I have a strong personal brand that is grounded in accomplishments, with over 1 million followers on Facebook and among the top 10 most followed Africans on LinkedIn.

Adulting Tip: 

Don't aimlessly and impulsively speak your mind. 
Get in the position of authority first to effect real change. 

VT

Vusi Thembekwayo

This is what God did for me in Tanzania. 

Jam-packed! 

No army of promoters & big budgets. 

Just a humble community of young people on the ground committed to making a difference in Africa, a brand we have been building for over 20yrs 

…. and God’s grace. 

VT

Hello Family. 

We’ve just hit a major milestone: 800,000 subs on our YouTube channel. 

… and we haven’t even hit the throttle yet. 

Thank you for all the support and love. 

Blessings 

🤍 VT

Jack Ma once spoke about Africa's potential, emphasizing that Africans should expand their mindset beyond their village or country, and think as a unified continent. This idea holds significant truth, as Africa has incredible potential to rise much faster and bigger than it currently is. However, obstacles like high costs for moving money across the continent, limited infrastructure, and fragmented markets have slowed Africa's growth.

Imagine if Africa's 54 countries worked more closely together—creating seamless trade, movement, and financial systems that could drive growth. Instead of being slowed down by internal barriers, Africa could leverage its vast natural resources, young population, and growing technological innovation to accelerate its development. The continent could become an even greater global player, rivaling other major regions in economic power.

"Success is guarded by problems."
~ Unknown

In the journey of entrepreneurship, relationships are the cornerstone of success. Every milestone, breakthrough, and opportunity you've encountered likely began with a connection to someone who played a crucial role in your path. Whether it's a mentor who offered guidance, a partner who shared your vision, or a client who took a chance on your idea, these relationships have shaped your entrepreneurial journey.

Building and nurturing relationships isn't just about networking—it's about creating genuine connections that foster trust, collaboration, and mutual growth. The right relationships open doors to new possibilities, provide support in challenging times, and offer perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.

Global Speaker. Economic Futures Strategist. 2x Best-Selling Author. Award Winning Entrepreneur & Investor (Managing Partner) at MyGrowthFund Venture Partners

In the journey of entrepreneurship, three indispensable figures emerge as the guiding lights illuminating the path to success: the Coach, the Mentor, and the Sponsor.

The Coach

The Coach is an experienced individual who walks the road with you, offering not just expertise but unwavering support. The Coach is the confidant who understands the intricacies of your business, the challenges you face, and the goals you aspire to achieve. With their expert guidance, entrepreneurs navigate the treacherous terrain of business, making informed decisions and avoiding common pitfalls.

The Mentor

The Mentor emerges as a beacon of wisdom, illuminating the path with invaluable insights and life lessons. They share their experiences, recount their successes and failures, and impart knowledge that is often gleaned from years of hard-earned wisdom. A Mentor serves as more than just a guide; they are the architects of your strategic vision. They provide perspective, challenge your assumptions, and offer constructive feedback.

The Sponsor

Unlike a mentor, who offers guidance and advice, a sponsor uses their own credibility and experience to advocate for you in influential circles. They introduce you to key decision-makers, recommend you for high-visibility projects, and open doors to rooms you wouldn't be able to enter on your own.

Young people often face a tough choice: follow their passion or seek financial stability. Choosing financial stability early in one’s career can be wise, as it provides the time and freedom to explore passions without financial stress.

This choice doesn’t mean giving up on dreams; rather, it means strategically investing in one’s future. With financial security, individuals can take risks, experiment, and grow, making it easier to pursue their true interests later on.

Often, your ideas or strategies might not be far off from hitting the mark, but if you’re not in the right environment, they may never reach their full potential. A supportive and dynamic space can significantly impact your progress, providing access to resources, networking opportunities, and the right kind of energy to fuel your ambition.

Being surrounded by like-minded individuals, mentors, and a positive atmosphere can open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and fresh perspectives. Remember, sometimes it’s not about changing what you’re doing—it’s about changing where you’re doing it. The right environment doesn’t just support growth; it can accelerate it.

Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Join us in cultivating a culture of empowerment, learning, and progress. Check out vtclub100.com to discover more about our mentorship platform and how you can be a part of this remarkable experience.

Shoprite and Pick n Pay are two of South Africa's largest and most recognized grocery chains. Despite Shoprite being the younger of the two companies, it has managed to outpace Pick n Pay in terms of revenue and market share. This success can be attributed to several strategic moves that have given Shoprite an edge.

Shoprite's growth strategy has been aggressive, focusing on expanding its footprint not only in South Africa but also across the African continent. The company has been successful in tapping into emerging markets where there is less competition and higher growth potential. This pan-African expansion has been a significant driver of Shoprite's revenue growth, allowing it to serve a broader customer base.

Becoming a proficient and confident speaker is indeed a journey that is best undertaken through consistent practice, and seizing every opportunity to speak is a valuable strategy to hone your skills.

Public speaking, like any skill, improves with repetition. By speaking regularly, even in informal or non-professional settings, you allow yourself the opportunity to refine your delivery, fine-tune your message, and become more comfortable in front of an audience.

The more you speak, the more confident you become. Public speaking often involves overcoming nervousness and stage fright, and the best way to conquer these challenges is through repeated exposure. Speaking at different events, even those unrelated to your professional endeavors, helps build the confidence needed to address diverse audiences.

Every speaking opportunity offers a chance to adapt your message to different audiences. Speaking at a church may require a different tone and content than speaking at a wedding or a community event. Adapting to various settings enhances your versatility as a speaker, allowing you to connect with diverse audiences effectively.

Speaking at different events, even if unpaid, provides excellent networking opportunities. You never know who might be in the audience or what connections may arise from these engagements. Networking can lead to more speaking opportunities, collaborations, or even professional opportunities down the line.

Speaking in various settings offers the chance to receive feedback from diverse audiences. Constructive feedback is a powerful tool for improvement. It helps you identify strengths, address weaknesses, and continuously enhance your speaking abilities.

My Net Worth (According to Google)

…. But I receive it, in Jesus name! 

Amen. 

VT

Choosing the right coach in life is crucial because, unlike mentors who guide from a distance, a coach is closely involved in your life almost every day. While some coaches have the necessary skills, they may lack the growth mindset needed to truly help you excel. These coaches might hold you back, consciously or unconsciously, because of their own fears and insecurities.

It's important to find a coach who not only has expertise but also genuinely wants to see you succeed and grow, even if it means outgrowing them. A great coach encourages you to take risks, embrace change, and push beyond your comfort zone. Be careful to choose someone who supports your potential and celebrates your victories as their own. Your coach should be a partner in your journey, not a barrier to your growth.

Taplio

Vusi Thembekwayo's Linkedin Analytics

's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Want to drive more opportunities from LinkedIn?

Taplio

.css-1jgreyo{background-image:linear-gradient(284deg, rgba(39,43,72,1) 0%, rgba(33,47,183,1) 100%);color:transparent;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;}Vusi Thembekwayo's Linkedin Analytics

's Best Posts .css-qqfgvy{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);}(last 30 days)

Want to drive more opportunities from LinkedIn?

Vusi Thembekwayo's Linkedin Analytics

's Best Posts (last 30 days)