Capital raising shouldn’t be a guessing game

Many SME raises in the R5m–R50m range take 3–9 months from engagement toward close, depending on readiness, complexity, and whether DFIs are involved (often longer). Preparation, investor engagement, diligence, and legal work each add weeks. The biggest driver of speed is how prepared you are on day one.

You can - but conversion is higher when materials, models, and targeting meet institutional standards. We bring a repeatable preparation process, relevant investor framing, and negotiation support. The cost of a stalled raise usually exceeds professional preparation.

Engagements typically combine a monthly retainer (preparation, modelling, documentation - often in a band discussed once scope is clear) and a success fee linked to capital raised, aligned with market norms for mid‑market SA transactions. Terms are agreed after a discovery conversation; retainers may be credited against success fees depending on structure.

We work best with businesses that have meaningful revenue, a track record (often 2+ years), and a clear use of funds. Pre‑revenue or very small raises may be better served by angels, accelerators, or DFIs - we’ll say so candidly.

Typically: historical financials (audited where possible), management accounts, forecasts, CIPC and governance documents, cap table, key contracts, tax clearance, and B‑BBEE where relevant. We prepare investment‑grade materials (IM, model, deck) as part of the mandate. A detailed checklist kicks off each engagement.

It depends on cash flows, collateral, growth rate, and dilution appetite. Equity suits high growth and strategic capital; debt suits predictable cash generation; mezzanine and converts sit between. We analyse structure in discovery and recommend a path aligned to your risk and timeline.

Dilution depends on amount raised, valuation, and instrument. Institutional growth rounds often involve meaningful but negotiated ownership stakes. We model dilution scenarios and help you assess term sheets - higher (defensible) valuations typically mean less dilution per rand.

No - and you should be wary of anyone who does. Investors make independent decisions. We guarantee professional preparation, aligned targeting, and disciplined process. If you’re not ready, we’ll tell you what must change first.

Yes. DFI processes are rigorous and often slower than purely private capital. We help structure applications and materials to institutional standards. DFI participation can also signal credibility to co‑investors.

Businesses too large for micro‑programmes but underserved by traditional large‑ticket finance. If you need roughly R5m–R50m and have a real operating business, you’re often in this band - where preparation quality matters as much as “who you know.”

Discovery - diagnosis and readiness. Design - model, materials, capital structure. Engagement - investor process, diligence, negotiation support to close (with your lawyers). Timelines vary by deal.

Specialisation in growth‑stage SME raises, emphasis on model and narrative rigour, and incentive alignment through how engagements are structured. We’re not a full‑service investment bank - we focus on getting you investor‑ready and transaction‑capable.

Core sectors include technology, manufacturing, services, energy/infrastructure, and impact - see above. Financial fundamentals are portable; sector shows up most in investor targeting.

Often yes. Common issues: wrong investor list, weak model or IM, valuation expectations, or timing. We diagnose, rebuild what’s broken, and re‑enter the market with a clearer proposition.

Often, yes - especially for DFI and many institutional mandates. It can affect eligibility, terms, and how investors view market access. We help you understand how your status fits your capital strategy.