THIS IS THE CHALLENGE

The problem is that the existing financial industry is not structured to provide SMEs with suitable and efficient funding.

South Africa remains one of the most unequal economies in the world today. With GDP growth expected to be in the low single digits and a rising unemployment rate, the prospects of closing this equality gap will be a challenge. The SME has always been a significant contributor to any economy and a thriving SME market that drives entrepreneurial activity will make a positive contribution to South Africa.

0%
of businesses in South Africa are SMEs
0+%
of the country’s workforce across all sectors are employed by SMEs
0%
of the contribution to the national GDP comes from SMEs
0%
get funding from private sources
0%
of SMEs receive government funding

*Source: McKinsey & Company, “How South African SMEs can survive and thrive post COVID-19”

Kai Connect believes that a partnership model that focusses on industry supply chains, supported by asset management structures can deliver scalable funding and business solutions to SMEs. Making an impact on SMEs, their employees, their communities and the broader South African social landscape, while delivering an attractive return to investors.

THIS IS WHY WE DO IT

Businesses that contribute to an inclusive economy will become more sustainable and profitable.

At Kai, we have created a business for good to amplify every cent that is spent, making an impact in South Africa, Africa and beyond.

SMEs have the largest impact on economies and people and we drive the allocation of funding and expertise to this community to become a catalyst for change.

Through our internal expertise and partnerships we are able to maximise our impact on SMEs and make a sustainable impact on society.

THIS IS WHO WE ARE

The founders of Kai Connect were united by a common purpose to serve humanity. We were inspired by the transformative and radical way impact investing changes human lives, restores dignity and challenges the prevailing economic, social and political status quo.

Kai puts people first. To grow sustainably and make an impact we start with people. We believe in the equality of human beings, regardless of race, class or gender, for the only thing that distinguishes them lies in what they do for themselves, with their intelligence, their qualities and most of all their heart.

We are committed to do our part to transition the planet to a cleaner, greener and caring one. We choose to focus on serving humanity, supporting sustainable and impactful entrepreneurship through investing, growing and scaling SMEs.

People. Planet. Profit.

Ben Kodisang

Director

About Ben:

  • Ben is a dynamic and results driven executive with over 25 years of expertise in all facets of operations, finance, business development, governance, risk, financial reporting, banking, employee benefits, real estate, private markets and asset management.
  • He has a proven track record of utilising market and data analytics to enhance data driven insights and decisions, resulting in increased profit margins and revenues.
  • Ben is the Founder and CEO of ALT Capital Partners, the management company for Reimagine Social Impact Retail Fund.
  • He is a Non-Executive Director of Thungela ABSA Bank Botswana Limited, Fortress REIT Limited, Barlowold Khula Sizwe Property Holdings and Sphere Holdings. Past President of the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) and Wesgro (Western Province Trade, Investments and Destination Marketing Agency).

Selected Professional Experience:

  • 2018: Founder and CEO of ALT Capital Partners
  • 2016: CEO of Sanlam Alternative Investments
  • 2012: Managing Director of STANLIB Asset Management and Africa
  • 2004: Managing Director of Old Mutual Properties
  • 1996: Active Asset Management: Analyst, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Commerce, Honours in Accounting Science
  • Chartered Accountant – CA(SA)

Tony Ruiters

Director

Melanie de Nysschen

Director

Chris Benfield

Director

Mike Vincent

Director

About Mike:

  • Mike is an experienced entrepreneur, executive and professional services leader.
  • He was a Partner in Deloitte Africa where he held numerous leadership positions. Mike led the Management Consulting, Finance Advisory and Risk Advisory businesses in West Africa, based in Lagos. He led the Strategy and Innovation consulting businesses in South Africa, and the Consumer Products and Industrial Products & Construction industries across Africa. Mike’s key focus as a consultant is on corporate strategy, specifically on revenue growth and sustainable competitive advantage. He sat on the global Consulting Growth Task Team that developed the Deloitte approach to assisting clients with their growth strategies. Mike was closely involved in the global Deloitte CEO Programme Advisory Board.
  • Previously, Mike was the founding CEO of a Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed Media and Entertainment group. He gained private equity and investment banking experience between his stints at Deloitte and was invested in a technology business in partnership with a leading global technology investor.

Selected Professional Experience:

  • 2022 – Founder of Arena-Partners
  • 2006 – Deloitte Africa
  • 2002 – Second Stage Capital Partners
  • 2000 – Dimension Data (HAL Interactive) – Managing Director
  • 1998 – African Media Entertainment – Founding Managing Director
  • 1996 – Umoya Communications (Radio Algoa) – Founding Managing Director
  • 1990 – Deloitte Haskins & Sells – Management Consultant
  • 1987 – Unilever – Graduate Management Programme

Education:

  • B.A (Rhodes University)
  • H.D.E (Rhodes University)
  • M.B.L (University of South Africa)
  • CFD (GSB, University of Cape Town)

Philani Sangweni

Director

About Philani:

  • Philani is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of impactful leadership as a management consultant, entrepreneur and executive.
  • He was the co-founder and Managing Partner of E4EAfrica which a venture capital fund investing in innovative businesses in SA, and has invested, accelerated, and mentored startups in edtech, fintech, Agritech, AI, e-commerce, logistics and transport, automotive, and Proptech.
  • Philani was Chief Operating Officer at Fundi (formerly Eduloan) where he set up the innovation, product development and corporate venturing capabilities.
  • He was also a Senior Manager at Accenture, working in multiple industries in South, East, West Africa.

Selected Professional Experience:

  • 2022 to present: Associate Director – Growth, Innovation, and M&A - Monitor Deloitte
  • 2019 to 2021: Cofounder and Managing Partner – Akro Accelerate and E4EAfrica
  • 2015 to 2018: Chief Operating Officer – Fundi Capital
  • 2010 to 2014: Senior Manager – Accenture
  • 2017 to present: Non-executive director and co-owner – Matsei Technologies & Consulting

Education:

  • Bachelor of Accounting – UKZN
  • Executive Development Program – Wits Business School
  • Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) - INSEAD

THIS IS WHAT WE STAND FOR

Every cent you spend makes an impact.
It’s a catalyst for change. Impetus for transformation.
A drop that compels the ripple.
And while we cannot predict its repercussions, we can direct its intent.
At Kai Connect, we have created a business for good.
A business based on the UN’s sustainability goals so that we can amplify every cent that is spent, making an impact in South Africa, Africa and beyond.

Investors can use our platform to direct their funding to make an impact. SMEs can approach us to source funding for impact.

It’s a fund that also offers advisory services to facilitate growth so that every cent that is spent impacts people, communities and investors.
It’s an investment purposed for impact.

HERE'S TO

PROSPERITY WITH PURPOSE

GET IN TOUCH

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