Knife Capital: South African VC Backing Top Tech Startups

Cape Town-based Knife Capital is fast becoming a household name in South Africa’s venture capital (VC) landscape. Established in 2010, the firm is known for backing high-growth, innovation-driven businesses that are scaling internationally, particularly those rooted in African markets. 

As one of South Africa’s most active VC firms, Knife Capital offers more than just funding. It combines deep operational expertise, strategic support, and extensive local and international networks to accelerate startup success. 

What is Knife Capital Looks For in Startups

Knife Capital follows a milestone-based investment approach, focusing on startups with a clear path to growth or exit. While the firm backs a range of innovation-led companies, it also builds technology-enabled small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) via its Grindestone Accelerator.

When it comes to the ideal venture for Knife Capital, the firm has the following essential criteria:

• The business must have a clear product and recurring revenues.
• The product or service must address a clear pain point for customers.
•  The solution must address a sizable market.
• The business must have comprehensive management teams.
•  Achieve high gross margins.
• Have clear and robust governance processes in place.

Knife Capital’s Core Investment Sectors

Knife Capital’s investments span several high-growth verticals, with a strong focus on scalable business to business (B2B) solutions. Key sectors include:

• Enterprise tech – Companies developing software infrastructure, applications and services that drive productivity, revenue enhancement, convenience or provide cost reduction for enterprises.
• Hardware and deep tech – Businesses developing technologies that underpin advances in computing, manufacturing and other industries.
• Healthtech and edtech – Ventures leveraging digital technologies to create new products and services in healthcare and education markets.
• Fintech – Companies developing solutions to better manage financial operations and processes that enable banking and financial services.

Knife Capital Funding Strategy  

Knife Capital operates across three funds: 

• Knife Capital Fund I 
• Knife Capital Fund II
• Knife Capital Fund III

The firm’s investments range from $600k (approx. R10 million) in Series A rounds, up to $8 million for expansion-stage funding through Fund III. While the firm primarily invests in South African startups, it also considers ventures across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Knife Capital Portfolio and Successful Exits

Knife Capital has built an impressive portfolio that reflects its focus on scalable innovation. Notable investments include: 

• Snapplify
• Octiv
• Wamly
• Kasha
• DataProphet 

The firm has also achieved several high-profile exits, including: 

• Quicket - Acquired by Ticketmaster
• iKubu - Acquired by Garmin
• Fundamo - Acquired by Visa

How to Apply for Knife Capital Funding

Applying for funding from Knife Capital is straightforward. Entrepreneurs complete an online application form, which is reviewed by the investment team. If the opportunity aligns with the firm’s mandate, a follow-up conversation is initiated. 

Applicants are also required to upload a pitch deck as part of their submission. 

Knife Capital continues to play a vital role in shaping Sub-Saharan Africa’s startup ecosystem. With its strategic approach to funding and clear focus on building globally competitive ventures, the firm is an important enabler for founders looking to scale fast.