LightWare Showcase at SAVCA Conference 2025

At this year’s SAVCA Conference, Sanari Capital CEO Samantha Pokroy and LightWare LiDAR CEO Nadia Nilsen took the stage to share the exciting journey of taking Africa to the World. Highlights captured here:

From a bootstrapped tech company in Centurion to a global leader in microLiDAR technology, LightWare exemplifies how homegrown innovation can make a worldwide impact.

What makes LightWare exceptional?
They design and manufacture the world’s smallest and lightest LiDAR sensors—crucial for drones, robotics, IoT, and smart cities. Their technology is trusted by global leaders and even NASA has LightWare LiDARs out in space!

Why did Sanari invest?
LightWare fit perfectly with our investment strategy: high-growth, founder-led businesses from Africa with regional and global scalability. Their cutting-edge technology, experienced leadership, and global market potential made them an ideal fit.

The power of investment
With Sanari’s support, LightWare:
✅ Established a U.S. subsidiary
✅ Expanded production capacity
✅ Built out its sales and marketing capabilities
✅ Launched new LiDAR solutions to meet global demand

Lessons Learnt
No great story is without its challenges and Nadia shared lessons learnt from hiring mistakes, delays in course correction, and the change management challenges from scaling people, processes and systems. She also reflected on the CEO succession process from the original founder, which was well planned and successfully concluded notwithstanding some trepidation for what is often a difficult transition in companies.

Impact beyond profits
Sanari’s partnership extends beyond capital. Together, we’ve strengthened governance, ESG initiatives, and job creation—tripling LightWare’s workforce and helping young professionals gain employment. We’re also proud to see the extraordinary impact that LightWare’s customers are having on the world. Check out the video here:

The journey continues…
With over 45,000 LiDAR sensors sold in 57 countries, LightWare is just getting started. New 3D scanning LiDARs and advanced multi-beam technologies are on the horizon.

Sanari is proud to support LightWare and other homegrown tech on their global endeavours!