Impact fund launched to invest in early stage businesses
CNBC Africa’s Lindsay Williams speaks to Donna Rachelson, CEO of Seed Engine a company that has partnered with WDB Investment Holdings and Grovest to develop a creative response to the dearth of funding for early and growth stage businesses.
Thu, 22 Sep 2016 06:16:56 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The WDB Seed Fund will focus on the missing middle - early stage businesses that struggle to attract traditional investors due to limited traction and high burn rates.
- The fund not only provides financial support but also offers strategic business and technical assistance through Seed Academy to help businesses grow and scale.
- By targeting industries like agriculture, health, education, services, retail, and ICT, the fund aims to create a socially responsible investment angle that benefits both investors and the community.
South Africa has long been facing a challenge when it comes to funding early and growth stage businesses, especially those owned by black women and youth. In a bid to address this issue, Seed Engine, a renowned organization specializing in entrepreneur training and fast tracking, has joined forces with WDB Investment Holdings and Grovest to launch the WDB Seed Fund. This exciting venture capital initiative aims to provide much-needed support to businesses in the missing middle - those that are often overlooked by traditional investors due to their limited traction and high burn rates. The fund not only offers financial assistance but also strategic business and technical support through Seed Academy, ensuring that these businesses have the best possible chance to grow and scale.