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The startup scene in South Africa
Startup Genome reports that Johannesburg’s tech startups received $39 million in Seed and Series A funding during H2 2023–2025. (Startup Genome)
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Startup Genome reports that Johannesburg’s tech startups received $39 million in Seed and Series A funding during H2 2023–2025. (Startup Genome)
Startup Genome lists $1 billion in ecosystem exits for 2021–2025 and reports $2 billion in ecosystem value for H2 2023–2025, defining ecosystem value using startup valuations and exits, including active unicorns. (Startup Genome)
On July 30, 2024, Startup Grind Johannesburg held a conversation with SweepSouth co-founder and director Aisha Pandor at AfricaWorks in Rosebank. The event listing described SweepSouth as having raised over US$20 million and engaging more than 7,000 SweepStars at the time. (Startup Grind Johannesburg)
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Johannesburg ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Financial Centres Index | GFCI 40 | #95 | No prior edition | B | Finance, Competitiveness, Business Climate |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #122 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
74 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Johannesburg
Investors 57
Investor
InvestorEmpowering SMEs with tailored financial solutions.
InvestorInvesting in sustainable growth across Africa.
The 3 most prominent of 57. Browse all investors
Accelerators 7
AcceleratorEmpowering foodpreneurs for a sustainable future.
AcceleratorTransforming brands through digital innovation.
AcceleratorAccelerating sustainable solutions for Africa's water-energy-food challenges.
The 3 most prominent of 7. Browse all accelerators
Incubators 7
IncubatorEmpowering digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
IncubatorEmpowering SMEs in the property sector.
IncubatorEmpowering SMMEs in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The 3 most prominent of 7. Browse all incubators
Venture studios 3
Venture studioTransforming ideas into viable businesses.
Venture studioPan African venture incubator and alternative assets investor.
Venture studioBuilding Africa's healthtech future.
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Johannesburg
UniversityListed in 1 ranking
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Johannesburg
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Johannesburg
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Johannesburg
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Johannesburg
A 2024 Startup Grind Johannesburg listing described SweepSouth as having raised over $20 million and engaging more than 7,000 SweepStars.
Source: Outlier Founders: The SweepSouth Story with Aisha PandorStartup Grind Johannesburg's July 2024 event featured SweepSouth co-founder Aisha Pandor at AfricaWorks in Rosebank.
Source: Outlier Founders: The SweepSouth Story with Aisha PandorStartup Genome defines its $2 billion Johannesburg ecosystem value for H2 2023–2025 using startup valuations and exits, including active unicorns.
Source: Johannesburg Ecosystem by the NumbersStartup Genome's Johannesburg profile lists $1 billion in ecosystem exits for 2021–2025.
Source: Johannesburg Ecosystem by the NumbersStartup Genome reports $39 million in Johannesburg tech startup Seed and Series A funding for H2 2023–2025.
Source: Johannesburg Ecosystem by the Numbers
Questions about Johannesburg
How does Johannesburg rank as a startup ecosystem?
Johannesburg is #122 of 1,473 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025). It appears in 2 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Johannesburg?
57 investors based in Johannesburg have a profile here, including Search Fund Capital, Business Partners Limited and metier. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Johannesburg?
Yes. Johannesburg has 7 accelerators, 7 incubators and 3 venture studios on record, including WakandaFoodAccelerator, Tshimologong Precinct and COACT ™.
Which universities are in Johannesburg?
One university has a profile: University of the Witwatersrand.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Johannesburg
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