The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA), as part of the organisation’s 20th anniversary celebration, has announced the launch of the inaugural SAVCA Industry Awards. These annual sector accolades will recognise portfolio companies that have thrived from private equity and venture capital investment in the region.
All investee companies (headquartered in Southern Africa) currently benefitting from these types of investments, or that have had investors exit within the last 12 months, are eligible for consideration by the judging panel. Judges will comprise business leaders and captains of industry, with the awards being supported and sponsored by Investec Corporate and Institutional Banking.
“With an increased government focus on small business as a contributor to overall GDP and employment growth, these awards will serve to highlight the achievements of portfolio companies as they relate to innovation; environmental and social impacts; profit and investor returns; job creation and reputation,” says Tanya van Lill, SAVCA CEO.
Categories include:
- Small Companies – seed/early stage growth investments with an enterprise value of under R50m and revenue of under R200m.
- Medium-sized Companies – expansion stage investments with an enterprise value of R50m to R1bn and revenue of R200m to R2bn.
- Large Companies – with an enterprise value of more than R1bn and revenue of above R2bn per annum.
Chairman’s Award – recognising exemplary work within the sector, awarded at the judges’ discretion.
“We are delighted to be associated with the very first SAVCA Industry Awards as lead sponsor,” says Lourens van Rensburg, Head of Investec Corporate and Institutional Banking. “We are especially proud to be part of an event that recognises the exceptional performance of portfolio companies in the sector, as well as their contribution to society and Southern Africa as a whole.”
Adds van Lill, “We are looking for businesses that stand out amongst their peers; demonstrating skilled execution of particular projects as well as evidence of bold and authentic leadership. The positive impact that private equity/venture capital has had on the business also needs to be reflected – this includes mentorship, strategic advice, governance and new market access.”
Private equity and venture capital investors can nominate investee companies or these businesses can nominate themselves by submitting an entry form via the SAVCA Awards website. Judges will select a shortlist of finalists across the outlined categories who will be assessed and interviewed. These findings will be presented to the judging panel, with the process culminating in winners being announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at Monte Casino in November 2018.
Nominations for the awards close on the 15th April 2018.
For more information and to nominate an investee company, click here.
