Grindstone, founded in 2013 and co-owned by Knife Capital and Thinkroom Limited, is renowned for assisting high-growth, innovation-driven companies to scale their businesses. The 2023 programme, sponsored by Absa, represents the latest edition.
Eight startups have been selected to take part, seven of which are from South Africa, and one from Lesotho. The South African ventures include Vambo Technologies, which offers users the ability to use world-class, highly advanced artificial intelligence in their native tongues; iTorho, which offers a marketplace platform for small businesses, freelancers and professionals to communicate; and Paragon Impact, a global sustainability tech and impact advisory company that simplifies the intricate journey of their clients towards sustainability.
Also selected are deaftouch; which provides accessible communication solutions for the deaf and blind communities; Supribuy, an online platform offering e commerce and retail services; Diginexus, an online learning platform that helps students launch a career in software engineering; and Esinam Global Business Services, which provides customised management consulting solutions to public and private organisations.
The cohort is completed by Lesotho’s Chaperone, which acts as an issuer of electronic payment instruments through its platforms.
“We are enthusiastic about our partnership with Absa and the opportunities this programme brings to the selected African startups. A focus on market access readiness is a key differentiator on this programme, as we drive access into further markets. We believe it will be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and prosperity,” said Catherine Young, managing partner of Grindstone.
