R500M Raised: Hlayisani Capital Targets Scaling Tech Startups in SA
The focus is on AI, fintech, healthtech, edtech, and digital infrastructure startups that have proven product-market fit and need growth capital to scale.
Hlayisani Capital has closed R500M (~$31M) for its Venture Fund II, a remarkable feat given one of the most challenging VC fundraising environments in Africa over the last decade.
The fund is anchored by major institutional players, including the Public Investment Corporation (Africa’s largest asset manager) and the SA SME Fund, giving it high-level validation across the continent.
The strategy is clear and targeted: Series A funding. The focus is on AI, fintech, healthtech, edtech, and digital infrastructure startups that have proven product-market fit and need growth capital to scale. This approach addresses Africa’s persistent Series A gap—seed funding is accessible, growth capital exists, but the crucial bridge stage has long been underserved.
Early investments demonstrate the fund’s disciplined approach, with South African B2B tech ventures like Tractor Outdoor Media, Spatialedge, and Cogitait AI leading the way. Hlayisani Capital is aiming for a final close in June 2026.
