Growth of Cape Town as a Tech Investment Hub
As the South African summer approaches, a notable transformation is unfolding. Silicon Valley tech investors, international family offices, and some of Africa’s most significant businesses are increasingly setting their sights on Cape Town. This trend inspired the Kaunder conference to choose the city as the venue for its flagship event.
Upcoming Kaunder Conference to Feature Global Leaders
In January 2026, 500 influential leaders will convene in Cape Town for the second annual Kaunder conference, an exclusive gathering of the world’s foremost private capital decision-makers. This invitation-only event aims to explore essential opportunities that will shape the future.
Facilitating Meaningful Investment Dialogues
The Kaunder Conference is built on the idea that productive investment discussions regarding emerging markets are possible only by bringing together the right people in a collaborative setting. Through well-established, trusted networks, Kaunder creates an environment conducive to open and honest discussions about investment opportunities.
Personal Relationships at the Core of the Kaunder Mission
Taking the pulse of this burgeoning investment landscape, we spoke with Michelle Weiss, Founding Partner and CEO, and Leonard Stiegeler, Founding Partner and Chairman of Kaunder. They shed light on why Cape Town is the ideal location for this significant gathering and how personal relationships can drive cross-border collaboration worldwide.
Exploring the Foundational Vision of the Kaunder Conference
Weiss articulated the vision behind Kaunder, emphasizing the importance of reliable connectivity in nurturing business relationships. Drawing on her own entrepreneurial journey, she noted, “Throughout the years, I’ve worked with incredible families and individuals who have opened doors for me.” She also referenced notable African entrepreneurs successfully building large technology firms, such as South Africa’s Karl Westwig of Timebank and Shola Akinlade of Paystack in Nigeria. “While many talented individuals are coming to South Africa, they often lack opportunities to connect and collaborate,” she added.
Creating Authentic Peer Connections
Stiegeler detailed the initial motivation behind Kaunder, stating, “We recognized a gap in collaboration among local leaders and global visionaries.” By focusing on facilitating authentic peer-to-peer interactions instead of standard networking events, Kaunder is committed to building deeper partnerships to engage with emerging trends and markets effectively.
Distinct Format of the Kaunder Conference
Weiss highlighted what sets the Kaunder Conference apart from other platforms connecting global capital with African opportunities. Hosting the event in Cape Town not only emphasizes Africa’s role in global discussions but also fosters an inclusive environment for dialogue surrounding various trends. Attendees include leading investors and innovators from across the globe, ensuring a rich exchange of insights and opportunities.
Innovative Conference Design for Engaging Conversations
Stiegeler explained the conference’s unique approach, moving away from traditional panels towards participant-driven discussions. This unconference format encourages intimate conversations through expert-led breakout sessions rather than lengthy presentations. “By focusing on Chatham House rules, we create an atmosphere where individuals can share insights without the fear of public attribution,” he noted.
Global Collaboration and Partnerships
The Kaunder Conference operates as an equity partnership among over 25 global family offices and other stakeholders, facilitating a meaningful dialogue centered around Cape Town. Weiss underscored the value of their knowledge partners, which include prestigious institutions like Investec and TLcom Capital, all contributing to a dynamic program designed to enhance engagement among diverse participants at the conference.
Vision for Lasting Impact and Collaboration
Both Weiss and Stiegeler expressed their ambitions for creating significant collaborations during the conference. “By linking exceptional individuals in a conducive environment, we hope to inspire partnerships that extend beyond the event, fostering ongoing international dialogue,” Weiss added. The Kaunder Conference aspires to be a leading platform for exploring and realizing tomorrow’s most relevant opportunities through genuine collaborations.
