EPF Tech Fund Fuels South Africa’s Startup Revolution

Since its launch in 2016, the EPF Tech Fund has played a pivotal role in powering South Africa’s most innovative startups, driving technological advancement and economic growth.

What began as an ambitious idea to bridge the gap between visionary concepts and real-world execution has now become a cornerstone of the country’s startup ecosystem.

The Sunday Times Business Times reported that the fund was founded on a simple yet powerful question: What if South Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs had access to the capital, mentorship, and networks needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses?

Under the leadership of Joanna Govender, the EPF Tech Fund has answered that question by investing over R300 million into high-potential startups, helping them redefine Africa’s tech landscape.

Unlike traditional investment models, the EPF Tech Fund takes a hands-on approach, providing not just funding but strategic support to ensure long-term success.

Now, the fund is preparing for its next phase of growth, aiming to raise an additional R300 million to expand its impact.

“This new capital will enable startups to scale rapidly, enter new markets, and further strengthen South Africa’s tech industry,” Govender told Business Times.

To date, the EPF Tech Fund has supported 17 thriving startups, created thousands of jobs, and fostered groundbreaking innovations across sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.

Among its standout success stories are three companies making waves in their respective fields.

PayPoint, a fintech disruptor, is revolutionizing cashless payments with its tap-and-go technology, now available in more than 100,000 retail locations nationwide.

SmartView, an AI-driven analytics platform, has gained international acclaim, securing spots in prestigious competitions like the Irish Tech Challenge and the GCIP CleanTech Competition, while serving major clients such as Virgin Active SA, Heineken, and Pepsico.

Meanwhile, VisioSoft, a leader in industrial IoT, has helped manufacturers increase efficiency by 40%, with its latest breakthrough in automated defect detection pushing the company’s valuation beyond R75 million.

The EPF Tech Fund’s mission extends beyond financial investment—it is actively shaping South Africa’s tech future by nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and building a sustainable startup ecosystem. With plans to double its funding capacity, the fund is poised to unlock even greater opportunities for the next generation of African tech pioneers.