15 companies which Michael Jordaan invested in

Michael Jordaan is one of South Africa’s most respected businessmen, and is credited with making FNB an innovative and attractive bank.

After Jordaan left FNB, he founded Montegray Capital – a private investment company investing in “leanly-run start-ups with disruptive business models”.

Many people have followed Jordaan’s investments, keen to see if his investments skills are as impressive as his ability in the banking world.

To date, Jordaan has invested in 15 companies, and he told MyBroadband that the overall performance has been great.

“In total, the businesses are experiencing exponential growth, admittedly off a low base,” said Jordaan.

“Each business faces its own unique challenges. As venture capitalists we also know that some businesses may not ultimately survive, but we depend on others in the portfolio to overcompensate.”

How Jordaan selects his investments

Jordaan said the most compelling reasons for him to invest in a business are the quality of the entrepreneurial team and a proven track record of implementing solutions that the market is willing to buy.

“Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs still overvalue ideas and undervalue execution,” said Jordaan.

Things which disqualify him from investing in a company include an entrepreneur who is only interested in making money and is not obsessed with solving a problem.

Other negatives are businesses which are over-valued, products which are not unique, and entrepreneurs who don’t practice “lean” principles.

Companies which Michael Jordaan invested in

Here is a list of the 15 companies which Michael Jordaan has invested in since he launched Montegray Capital.

Realitygate – Spatial user interface

RealityGate designs user interfaces that allow navigation and selection of information across mobile and other electronic screens.

execMobile – Wi-Fi in your pocket to stop international data roaming bill shock

execMobile’s PocketWifi keeps travelers connected with Internet access from any mobile device at a fraction of the cost of mobile operators’ roaming rates.

Multisource/WBSH – Telecommunications networking and related services

Multisource is a global convergence technology company which provides fully-integrated, end-to-end solutions deployed in 47 countries across Africa.

Angelhub – Venture capital

Starting out in 2011 as the first Angel Group in South Africa, the company matured into an early-stage venture capital firm in January 2014.

GoMetro – App for public transport

GoMetro is a commuter-driven mobile app with 120,000 monthly active users interacting, collecting, and sharing information on public transport routes and delays.

Snapplify – Digital publishing solutions

Snapplify’s digital publishing solutions is tackling the problem of access to textbooks. Its innovation has made it possible to download e-books without an Internet connection.

AmaLocker – Lockers for e-commerce deliveries

AmaLocker is a self-service parcel delivery system which aims to improve e-commerce delivery and efficiency.

Sight Sense – VR training for pilots

Sight Sense aims to revolutionise the way commercial pilots are trained.

Eyegym – Visual training for top sportsmen

EyeGym is a visual training programme. Dr Sherylle Calder developed the software from years of coaching visual performance skills to elite athletes around the world.

BrightBlack Solar – Solar installations for businesses

BrightBlack provides solar energy solutions. One of its sites, KPMG in Parktown, generates 1,000,000kWh per annum – a saving of 1,320 trees or 621,000kg of coal.

CodeX – Computer programming academy

CodeX is growing Africa’s coders to be employable or entrepreneurial. Coders learn by working on projects for companies, with their learning driven by industry more than by academia.

Compuscan – Managing credit risk decisions and direct marketing

Compuscan is a credit bureau, committed to providing total credit reporting and risk management solutions throughout the credit life cycle.

Newberry – Montessori education

Newberry offers a Montessori-focussed education including sport programmes and extra-mural activities, as well as an after-care service to children from 18 months to 18 years old.

Bos – Ice tea

Bos Brands is a beverage business that has a range of rooibos-based ice teas and sports drinks.

Alto Africa – Cloud services for businesses

Alto Africa is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest-growing cloud managed service providers. It offers single-source cloud solutions with a focus on good customer service.