Angel investors are fundamental in turning entrepreneurial ideas into businesses that lead to job creation. South Africa alone has between 20 and 50 recognised angel investors, prompting the establishment of the South African Business Angel Network (SABAN). This national not-for-profit organisation aims to stimulate further investment in the country’s start-ups, while increasing the amount of information available on early-stage market players.
As reported by Ventureburn, SABAN co-founder Christopher Campbell says the intention behind SABAN is to ‘give the local entrepreneurial ecosystem the bridge it needs to get more early stage businesses ready for the ZAR5 million-plus VC [venture capital] stage of investment’.
Supporters of the network include the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Newtown Partners, Allan Gray, Orbis Foundation, Entrepreneur Traction, Silicon Cape, Clifftop Colony, Knife Capital, SA Enterprise Development and the South African Department of Trade and Industry.