We invest in Africa.
With purpose.
For impact.

Hear Our Vision

ABOUT US

We Align Global Investors with High-Potential African Opportunities

Seedwell Capital is a private equity firm dedicated to achieving above-market returns while nurturing meaningful connections among communities, businesses, investors, and our valued partners.

Our entrepreneurial roots enable us to identify and support businesses to thrive, realize and aim to generate above market return for investors while having a positive impact in local communities. Our focus is investing in Africa, together we work toward a harvest that is good for all.

Empowered by Mergon as an Ecosystem Partner.

Mergon is an established entrepreneurial investment company with a proven track record, that exists to create Kingdom impact and equip others to do the same.

OUR TEAM

We are Experienced Entrepreneurs with Operational Expertise

Our team is highly qualified and well-versed in all aspects of the investment, management and exit of businesses, and related finance and operations.

View Team Members

PARTNER Paul Venter

B.Com (Economics) | MBA

Born in South Africa and living in the USA. Entrepreneurial track record of more than 20 years in the consumer goods, marketing, and media sectors. Experienced international trade specialist – focusing on enabling foreign companies to launch into the USA.

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PARTNER José Frazao

B.Eng (Industrial) | MBL
B.Eng Hons (Tech Management)

Industrial engineer with a master’s degree in business leadership. A supply chain and operational optimization specialist. Ability to analyze and optimize operations to drive increased throughput and profitability.

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PARTNER Fanie Venter

B.Com (Hons)

Entrepreneur for over 25 years with interests in food & beverage, printing, publishing, and media sectors. Turnaround specialist with a track record of scaling underperforming businesses. Ability to build strong, independent management teams.

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PARTNER Paul Venter

B.Com (Economics) | MBA

Born in South Africa and living in the USA. Entrepreneurial track record of more than 20 years in the consumer goods, marketing, and media sectors. Experienced international trade specialist – focusing on enabling foreign companies to launch into the USA.

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PARTNER José Frazao

B.Eng (Industrial) | MBL
B.Eng Hons (Tech Management)

Industrial engineer with a master’s degree in business leadership. A supply chain and operational optimization specialist. Ability to analyze and optimize operations to drive increased throughput and profitability.

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PARTNER Fanie Venter

B.Com (Hons)

Entrepreneur for over 25 years with interests in food & beverage, printing, publishing, and media sectors. Turnaround specialist with a track record of scaling underperforming businesses. Ability to build strong, independent management teams.

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PARTNER Fanie Venter

B.Com (Hons)

Entrepreneur for over 25 years with interests in food & beverage, printing, publishing, and media sectors. Turnaround specialist with a track record of scaling underperforming businesses. Ability to build strong, independent management teams.

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PARTNER: ARGOSY Malcolm Levy

M.Com | MBA | CFA

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PARTNER: ARGOSY Pierre Goosen

B.Com (Law) | LLB | MBA

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PARTNER Paul Venter

B.Com (Economics) | MBA

Born in South Africa and living in the USA. Entrepreneurial track record of more than 20 years in the consumer goods, marketing, and media sectors. Experienced international trade specialist – focusing on enabling foreign companies to launch into the USA.

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PARTNER José Frazao

B.Eng (Industrial) | MBL
B.Eng Hons (Tech Management)

Industrial engineer with a master’s degree in business leadership. A supply chain and operational optimization specialist. Ability to analyze and optimize operations to drive increased throughput and profitability.

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PARTNER Fanie Venter

B.Com (Hons)

Entrepreneur for over 25 years with interests in food & beverage, printing, publishing, and media sectors. Turnaround specialist with a track record of scaling underperforming businesses. Ability to build strong, independent management teams.

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PARTNER: ARGOSY Malcolm Levy

M.Com | MBA | CFA

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PARTNER: ARGOSY Pierre Goosen

B.Com (Law) | LLB | MBA

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PARTNER Paul Venter

B.Com (Economics) | MBA

Born in South Africa and living in the USA. Entrepreneurial track record of more than 20 years in the consumer goods, marketing, and media sectors. Experienced international trade specialist – focusing on enabling foreign companies to launch into the USA.

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PARTNER José Frazao

B.Eng (Industrial) | MBL
B.Eng Hons (Tech Management)

Industrial engineer with a master’s degree in business leadership. A supply chain and operational optimization specialist. Ability to analyze and optimize operations to drive increased throughput and profitability.

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CEO: MERGON FOUNDATION Pieter Faure

B.Com (Law) | B.Com | CA (SA)

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PARTNER SJ (Fanie) Venter

B. COM (HONS)

Entrepreneur for over 25 years with interests in food & beverage, printing, publishing, and media sectors. Turnaround specialist with a track record of scaling underperforming businesses. Ability to build strong, independent management teams.

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CPO: ONTDEK Celia Venter

B.Business Science | PMP

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CEO: MERGON FOUNDATION Pieter Faure

B.Com (Law) | B.Com | CA (SA)

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PARTNER SJ (Fanie) Venter

B. COM (HONS)

Entrepreneur for over 25 years with interests in food & beverage, printing, publishing, and media sectors. Turnaround specialist with a track record of scaling underperforming businesses. Ability to build strong, independent management teams.

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CPO: ONTDEK Celia Venter

B.Business Science | PMP

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OUR VALUES

Stewardship

All our time, talents and treasures belong to God. He has entrusted them to us to use in accordance with his purposes and for his glory, and will one day require us to give an account of how we stewarded them.

(Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10.)

Servant Leadership

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

(Philippians 2:3-4 NIV)

Courage

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

(Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Significance

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

(Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

Impact

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone

(Titus 3:8 NIV)

Stewardship

All our time, talents and treasures belong to God. He has entrusted them to us to use in accordance with his purposes and for his glory, and will one day require us to give an account of how we stewarded them.

(Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10.)

Servant Leadership

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

(Philippians 2:3-4 NIV)

Courage

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

(Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Significance

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

(Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

Impact

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone

(Titus 3:8 NIV)

INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY

We Are Entrepreneurs Helping Entrepreneurs.

Our Investment Philosophy has been molded and proven through investment and operating experience. We are active participants to help realize value. We help build and support strong management teams.

Return Objectives

Return Objectives

The return profile of the investment must match the Fund’s return objectives.

The return profile of the investment must match the Fund’s return objectives.

Purpose-Driven

Purpose-Driven

The investment should address a defined gap or opportunity in the market, balancing the need of all stakeholders (investors, staff, communities, environment).

The investment should address a defined gap or opportunity in the market, balancing the need of all stakeholders (investors, staff, communities, environment).

Alignment of Interest

Alignment of Interest

The management of the Portfolio Companies should have a vested ownership interest and shared risk with deep understanding of the business. The Manager will only invest in exceptional businesses with competent, passionate entrepreneurs and management teams that share in the risk with a proven track record and a clear understanding of both their business and the larger industry in which it operates.

The management of the Portfolio Companies should have a vested ownership interest and shared risk with deep understanding of the business. The Manager will only invest in exceptional businesses with competent, passionate entrepreneurs and management teams that share in the risk with a proven track record and a clear understanding of both their business and the larger industry in which it operates.

Long-Term Growth

Long-Term Growth

There should be sufficient capacity for a meaningful 5-plus year investment and involvement in the business. Investment opportunities are appraised on the basis of their potential for long-term growth, and not short-term trading opportunities.

There should be sufficient capacity for a meaningful 5-plus year investment and involvement in the business. Investment opportunities are appraised on the basis of their potential for long-term growth, and not short-term trading opportunities.

Active Participation & Partnership

Active Participation & Partnership

The Seedwell executives must be able to be participants alongside the Portfolio Company management team. Fundamental to the investment approach is that Seedwell will unlock value through active strategic input, oversight and leadership, allowing strategic development and subsequent execution. Active participation also facilitates the implementation of strong corporate governance, risk management and a focus on positive societal and environmental impact.

The Seedwell executives must be able to be participants alongside the Portfolio Company management team. Fundamental to the investment approach is that Seedwell will unlock value through active strategic input, oversight and leadership, allowing strategic development and subsequent execution. Active participation also facilitates the implementation of strong corporate governance, risk management and a focus on positive societal and environmental impact.

Aligned Values

Aligned Values

There must be a high-level alignment with Seedwell’s values

There must be a high-level alignment with Seedwell’s values

Best Investor

Best Investor

Seedwell must be the best steward to unlock the potential in the Portfolio Companies.

Seedwell must be the best steward to unlock the potential in the Portfolio Companies.

Consumer Fund

A Southern African Food, Agri & Consumer Growth Fund

THE FUND

A Southern African Food, Agriculture and Consumer Growth Fund

The Seedwell Consumer Fund is harnessing the abundant growth potential in Africa’s food, agriculture, and consumer goods sectors – while passionately contributing to the local communities.

Africa now ranks among the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world

With a projected 1.7 billion consumers by 2030. Household consumption has exceeded its GDP in recent years and the annual GDP growth has outpaced the global average. Consumer expenditure in Africa is expected to top $2 trillion by 2025.

Our focus is on investing in companies with long-term growth demand, high export potential, solid leadership, and ethical business practices.

Target sectors are food and agri-processing, consumer and household goods, logistics and supply chain, warehousing, waste management and energy.

Sector Focus

Food and
Agri-Processing

Consumer Packaged Goods

Energy

The Foundation

We empower communities to break the poverty cycle,
fostering job creation, food security, and vital skills transfer.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

A Non-profit Humanitarian Organization

Established with the objective of positive spiritual and social transformation of the communities in which Seedwell invests.

Flowing from our faith in Jesus Christ, the foundation serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

OUR PURPOSE

To steward our time, talents and treasures beyond business operations.

While fulfilling its purpose the Seedwell Foundation acts as an important stabilizer to the ecosystem in which Seedwell Capital invests. By serving the local communities, it increases labor supply, loyalty to the Portfolio Companies and addresses social issues.

01

Answer our Godly calling to have a significant impact in our communities.
02

Act as a conduit of financial resources to approved implementation charity partners.
03

Develop and support communities in which the Fund invests in.

01

Answer our Godly calling to have a significant impact in our communities.
02

Act as a conduit of financial resources to approved implementation charity partners.
03

Develop and support communities in which the Fund invests in.

Focus Areas

Vital Education

Skills Development

Job Creation

Self-Esteem

Community Upliftment

THE PARTNERS

Our partner infrastructure unlocks fast, low-risk and sustainable returns.

Seedwell is a Mergon ecosystem partner.

Mergon is an established entrepreneurial investment company, with a proven track record, that exists to create Kingdom impact – and equip others to do
the same.

Our investment team has distributed more than $70 million to more than 100 ministries and NPO’s in Africa. Mergon and Argosy have been managing impact funds and delivering above-market returns for over 20 years.

Our partner infrastructure covers the full value chain and is set up to unlock additional value within every investment we make. Our initial investments cover sourcing, manufacturing, route-to-market, and marketing and communication capabilities.

CONNECT

Trade is a catalyst for purposeful impact.