Vumela Fund

Established in 2009 by FNB Business Banking and Edge Growth, Vumela Fund is a pioneering venture capital firm in South Africa. Its mission is to invest in high-growth small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs) that demonstrate strong economic and impact potential. By providing equity investments, Vumela aims to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic growth through job creation.

Vumela Fund focuses on sectors such as manufacturing, education, agriculture, and health, targeting businesses that are too large for microfinance but too small for traditional private equity. The fund offers growth capital ranging from R2 million to R20 million, with a preference for companies that are at least 51% black-owned or willing to achieve this ownership through investment. Notably, Vumela does not provide grant funding and does not invest in industries like gambling, liquor sales, agriculture, property, mining, non-profit organizations, or business-to-consumer models.

Since its inception, Vumela Fund has made significant strides in supporting the 'missing middle' of the South African economy. Within the first four years, it invested R90 million into eight high-growth SMEs, creating a total of 400 jobs. In 2015, the fund launched its second initiative, committing over R100 million into 10 deals, with two still active in the portfolio. The fund's strategic approach and commitment to sustainable development have positioned it as a key player in fostering economic growth and job creation in South Africa.