Knife Capital
Venture capitalCape Town · Seed–Late Stage · 12 people tracked
Investment thesis
Knife Capital identifies and supports innovation-driven businesses across Africa that have demonstrated product-market fit and are ready for aggressive expansion. The firm leverages its 20+ years of investment experience, deep networks across the continent and internationally, and structured funding to help portfolio companies scale and achieve global reach. The firm also operates Grindstone Accelerator to develop earlier-stage South African tech startups into investable, sustainable businesses through intensive mentorship and strategic guidance.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 12 people
from the firm's websiteCo-founder and seasoned investment professional with over 25 years in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture capital who helped establish venture capital as a credible asset class in South Africa.
Entrepreneur and investor with expertise in scaling growth-stage businesses and advancing entrepreneurial ecosystems, and founder of Thinkroom.
Legal expert with an MBA from Cambridge who advises on mergers and acquisitions and manages risk and compliance across the firm's portfolio.
Investment professional with 20+ years of venture capital and investment experience, focused on advancing high-growth African startups onto the global stage and developing Africa's early-stage funding ecosystem.
Executive with 30+ year career including chief marketing officer roles at major corporations and founder of The BrandsRock Group, which was sold to Publicis Groupe, now serving as chairman of Quicket.
Qualified chartered accountant with deep expertise in listed credit, equity, and private debt who brings rigorous analysis and strategic insight to Knife's investment process.
Professional with background in digital innovation and technology transfer from Africa's leading research university, focused on helping portfolio companies achieve growth potential.
Qualified chartered accountant with undergraduate and postgraduate accounting degrees, known for analytical acuity and valuation expertise.
Chartered accountant with strong financial modelling and strategic consulting capabilities who engages with executive teams to enhance Knife's investment capabilities.
Financial leader who manages Knife Capital's complex fund structures and investor relationships while providing financial coaching to portfolio companies.
Investments · 22 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathFrequently asked questions
- What stage does Knife Capital invest at?
- Knife Capital invests at the Seed, Series A, Series B, Growth, Late Stage stages.
- What sectors does Knife Capital focus on?
- Knife Capital focuses on Deep Tech, SaaS, Sector Agnostic, Space Tech.
- Where is Knife Capital located?
- Knife Capital is headquartered in Cape Town, ZA.
- Does Knife Capital lead rounds?
- Yes, Knife Capital leads investment rounds.
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