Supporting Technology Entrepreneurs taking their business to the next level.
Who We Are
Cape Venture Partners (CVP) was established in 2004. We provide guidance and mentoring to technology start-ups, initially for CITI (Cape IT Initiative) and the Bandwidth Barn. It was founded by Geoff Hainebach, Chair of CITI and the Bandwidth Barn at the time, ably supported by Tony Mallam, Andrea Bohmert (now Knife Capital) and David Murray, and later joined by Martin Wright (now CEO of Kazang). Over the years CVP has mentored hundreds of technology entrepreneurs, and in addition has launched and participated in a number of ventures, including Smile90.4 radio. CVP has also driven successful turn-arounds, notably Kazang (previously Psitek and Saicom), now part of the CashConnect Group. CVP has also assisted our local universities, UCT and Stellenbosch, commercialising IP and launching spin-out companies, notably Azargen and HyPlat. Over the years, we have also advised entrepreneurs seeking investment from Angel investors, Venture Capital and Private Equity players, both locally and internationally, and have helped negotiate a number of exits, both partially and in full.
What We Do
Business Valuations
• What could/should your business be worth in 3 years
• Conservative and Blue-sky scenarios
Scaling your Business
• Can Operations and HR keep up with Sales?
Business Model
Are you making money?
• Pricing models – annuity (recurring revenue) vs one-off revenue
Business Strategy
• Maintain focus, be clear on “what you will NOT do!”
• Benefit from Advisory Boards
Sales & Marketing
• one’s clients
• one’s competitors
• one’s products/service
• one’s competitive advantages
• the different markets
Balancing Business
Development with Product Development
• CVP’s strong business acumen compliments the engineering and scientific strengths
Understanding the Financials
• Focus on profitability, not just revenue
• Cash-flow management
Finding the right Mentor
• Benefit from the experience of others
Investment Readiness
• Avoid selling too much equity too early
• Understand the specific needs and expectations of Investors
M&A Advisory
• Raising Capital (Angel, VC & Private Equity)
• Exit Strategies
• Departing Shareholders
• Shareholder agreements