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Savant is a venture capital organization based in South Africa, founded in 2004 by Nick Allen and Kate Turner Smith. Initially established as a pure incubator under the government-funded Life Sciences programme, Savant has evolved to include a venture investment arm since raising its first fund in 2019. The firm focuses on supporting early-stage ventures across Africa, particularly in deep tech and hardware innovations, to address significant global challenges through scientific and engineering solutions.
As of 2023, Savant manages approximately $26 million in assets under management (AUM) and has invested in over 70 companies. The firm operates primarily in Africa, with a geographic allocation strategy that emphasizes South Africa while also considering opportunities across the continent. Savant's commitment to de-risking partnered ventures ensures that startups are well-prepared for commercialization and investment.
With a team of experienced professionals, Savant provides hands-on support, expert mentorship, and strategic advisory services to help startups scale their technologies into high-growth companies. The organization plays a crucial role in the African startup ecosystem, fostering technological advancements and innovation.
Savant invests in early-stage tech-enabled ventures across various sectors, including fintech, healthtech, agritech, logistics, commerce, energy, and climate. The firm targets investments at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, providing funding ranging from initial capital to more substantial investments as companies grow. Their investment strategy is explicitly hardware-first and deep-tech, avoiding pure B2B software solutions.
The organization looks for startups with a strong science and engineering foundation, differentiated technology, and a clear understanding of customer problems. Savant values technical teams that possess business capabilities and innovations that address African market challenges while having the potential to scale globally. Their approach includes partnerships at different stages of the startup lifecycle, ensuring that they provide the necessary resources and guidance for startups to thrive.
In addition to funding, Savant offers hands-on support, expert mentorship, and strategic advisory services to help startups navigate the complexities of scaling their technologies. This comprehensive support model is designed to de-risk ventures and prepare them for successful commercialization.
Savant has invested in over 70 transformative African ventures, showcasing a diverse portfolio that spans multiple sectors. Notable companies include:
This portfolio reflects Savant's commitment to deep tech and hardware innovations, addressing both local and global challenges through scientific advancements.
Nick Allen: Co-founder of Savant, Nick has extensive experience in venture capital and technology commercialization. He has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy since its inception in 2004.
Kate Turner Smith: Co-founder of Savant, Kate has a strong background in technology and entrepreneurship. She has played a key role in developing Savant's focus on deep tech and hardware innovations.
Francois Malan: Incubator CEO, Francois is a spokesperson for Savant and has been involved in various initiatives to support hardware startups in Africa.
Richard Davis: Co-founder of Comdatech, Richard brings expertise in security technology and has contributed to Savant's investment in innovative solutions for risk management.
Joel van der Schyff: Co-founder of AgrilogiQ, Joel focuses on agritech innovations and has been involved in developing sustainable farming solutions.
Johan Dirker: Co-founder of Visiosoft, Johan has a background in IoT product development and has contributed to Savant's portfolio in the technology sector.
Artur Suntken: Co-founder of INSiAVA, Artur specializes in semiconductor technology and has been pivotal in advancing Savant's investments in this area.
Johan Brand: Co-founder of BurnStar, Johan focuses on clean energy solutions and has been involved in developing innovative hydrogen production technologies.
Braden Van Breda: Co-founder of AI Diagnostics, Braden has expertise in healthcare technology and has contributed to Savant's investments in healthtech.
Jonathan David Naudé: Co-founder of Adagin Technologies, Jonathan focuses on precision farming solutions and has been involved in advancing agricultural technology.
Eugene Smith: Co-founder of Stellenbosch Nanofiber Company, Eugene specializes in nanotechnology and has contributed to Savant's portfolio in advanced materials.
Sanjay Daya: Co-founder of Locstat, Sanjay focuses on AI-infused solutions and has been involved in developing innovative analytics platforms.
To pitch Savant, founders should submit their proposals through the funding page on their website at savant.co.za/funding. It is essential to include a comprehensive business plan, detailing the technology, market potential, and team capabilities. Savant prefers pitches that clearly outline the startup's unique value proposition and how it addresses specific challenges in the African market.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks. While warm introductions are beneficial, they are not strictly required. Savant encourages direct applications from passionate founders with innovative solutions.
In October 2023, Savant was featured in a TechCabal interview highlighting its 20 years of backing South African hardware and deep-tech startups. The firm continues to actively invest in transformative African ventures, with a portfolio exceeding 70 companies.
Savant is currently in the process of fundraising for its second fund, targeting R500 million (~$26 million USD), with a focus on the green economy. This fund aims to maintain the firm's emphasis on deep-tech and hardware innovations while expanding its geographic reach across Africa.
Recent investments include notable companies such as BurnStar, which focuses on clean hydrogen production technology, and STROOM, which develops electric cargo bikes for sustainable urban delivery. These investments reflect Savant's commitment to addressing significant global challenges through scientific and engineering advancements.
What are Savant's investment criteria?
Savant focuses on early-stage tech-enabled ventures in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, agritech, logistics, commerce, energy, and climate. They seek startups with a strong science and engineering foundation, differentiated technology, and a clear understanding of customer problems.
How can I apply or pitch to Savant?
Founders can apply for funding through Savant's website at savant.co.za/funding. It is recommended to include a detailed business plan and highlight the technology's potential for scalability.
What makes Savant different from other VCs?
Savant is the only dedicated hardware and deep-tech VC in Africa, focusing on innovations that address significant global challenges. Their hands-on support and strategic advisory services set them apart from traditional venture capital firms.
What is Savant's geographic scope?
Savant primarily operates in Africa, with a strong emphasis on South Africa. They also consider opportunities across the continent, aiming to support ventures that tackle local and global challenges.
What is Savant's fund size and check size?
Savant manages approximately $26 million in assets under management and invests at various stages, from pre-seed to Series A, with check sizes varying based on the startup's needs and growth potential.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Savant have?
Savant provides hands-on support, expert mentorship, and strategic advisory services to its portfolio companies, helping them navigate the complexities of scaling their technologies and preparing for commercialization.
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