Our investment portfolio

Sanari Capital
We target growth opportunities in markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily originating from South Africa. Our partnerships include both digitally disruptive companies and long-established founder or family-owned businesses. What unifies the companies we invest in is the commitment of their management teams to growing companies that last.
Our portfolio is strategically diversified across five core investment themes, where our deep expertise drives innovation, fosters growth, and builds lasting value for our partners.
EduLife Group
Education is the most powerful weapon
EduLife Group
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EduLife Group leverages over 23 years of experience in primary and secondary education and currently operates eight schools across 5 campuses in the Free State and now the Eastern Cape. At the time of investment, it was the largest independent school group in the Free State and has grown from 1 100 learners at the time of our investment to over 3 300 students spanning multiple income groups and markets, including new additions in Gauteng and Western Cape.
Sector
Education / Schooling
Founded
1998
Partnered
2019
LightWare LiDAR
ALL CONNECTED WORLD / INDUSTRY 4.0
LightWare LiDAR
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LightWare is a South African-based developer and manufacturer of small LiDAR systems for drones, autonomous vehicles, smart cities and other markets. LightWare gives ‘eyes to machines’, designing and manufacturing the world’s smallest and lightest precision LiDAR and laser range-finding systems.
Sector
Manufacturing / IoT Sensors
Founded
2012
Partnered
2020
iiDENTIFii
DATA IS THE NEW GOLD
iiDENTIFii
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iiDENTIFii is a leading remote biometric digital authentication and automated on-boarding technology company, based out of Cape Town, South Africa, and operating in the identity verification (IDV) sector. iiDENTIFii differentiates itself as enterprise-grade IDV for Africa, meeting the needs of large-scale customer-focused organisations seeking to on-board and authenticate customers in a digital manner.
Sector
Technology / Software and Services
Founded
2017
Partnered
2022
Energenic
THERE IS NO PLANET B
Energenic
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Energenic is a leading provider of reliable and cost-effective energy generation solutions across 32+ African countries. In providing energy security for telecommunications, Energenic enables uninterrupted connectivity for businesses and communities. Off-grid and alternative energy solutions address business sustainability and economic development, positioning Energenic as a leader in hybrid energy solutions across Africa.
Sector
Industrials / Power
Founded
2004
Partnered
2024

Predecessor portfolio

Sensor Networks
ALL CONNECTED / INDUSTRY 4.0
Sensor Networks
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Sensor Networks develops intelligent SMART HOME technology that is focused on risk management and energy efficiency in the home.
Sector
Technology / Internet of Things (IoT)
Founded
2015
Partnered
2018
Fernridge Solutions
DATA IS THE NEW GOLD
Fernridge Solutions
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Fernridge is a leading geo-spatial data and solutions provider, offering expert insights to inform location-based business decisions. Clients include retailers, property developers, private equity investors, financial-, healthcare-, education- and public-services providers.
Sector
Services / Market Research
Founded
2002
Partnered
2017
JAYCOR
ALL CONNECTED / INDUSTRY 4.0
JAYCOR
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In a world of connected devices and machines, JAYCOR supplies connectivity, communication and automation components and services to a wide range of industries. JAYCOR delivers mission-critical signal transmission solutions for enterprise, industrial, and broadcast businesses in Africa, and represents several leading global brands.
Sector
ICT / Distribution
Founded
1987
Partnered
2017
Visit
jaycor.co.za

A balanced investment portfolio

Our investment themes

Thematic growth drivers inform our portfolio, priority pipeline and deal origination efforts.
All connected / Industry 4.0
Investing in IoT, advanced tech, and ICT services and solutions to drive global innovation, revolutionise industries and connect communities.
IoT / Tech / ICT Software and Solutions
Data is the new gold
Investment in artificial intelligence (AI) across the data economy—encompassing collection, storage, processing, analysis, and dissemination of data for enhanced consumer and enterprise value.
AI / Machine Learning / Data
Education is the most powerful weapon
Partnering with schools and Edutech companies to enhance accessibility, affordability, and quality in education.
School / Tertiary / Skills / EdTech
In sickness and in health
Financing the well-being of African households and beyond through investment in healthcare, MedTech, wellness, food, agribusiness, AgTech and the care economy.
Healthcare / Wellness / Food / Agribusiness / AgTech / MedTech / Care Economy
There is no planet B
Collaborating with businesses focused on green solutions to address critical environmental challenges and champion a circular economy.
Green Solutions / Environmentally-Friendly Alternatives / Circular Economy
I was particularly focused on finding a partner who truly understood our identity, values, and passion, and who could help us grow effectively. We found this in the dynamic team at Sanari Capital.
James van Wyk Founder and CEO | Energenic
Sanari's disciplined and relentless focus on iiDENTIFii's fundamental metrics has been incredibly valuable. Big picture thinkers, with a remarkable attention to detail and faultless ethics.
Gur Geva Co-founder and CEO | iiDENTIFii
Partnering with Sanari Capital has been a transformative experience. Sanari understands the unique dynamics of founder-run, owner-managed businesses, bringing not just capital but strategic insight, and a deep respect for entrepreneurial vision. Their Sanari 3S approach resonated with our own beliefs, providing common ground for a structured yet flexible growth framework, allowing us to scale while staying true to our core values.
Nadia Nilsen Co-founder and CEO | LightWare LiDAR
The transaction took a year, with several unforeseen challenges as we transitioned from an owner-managed business to one with stronger processes and governance. Throughout this time, the team at Sanari, led by Sihle Gumede, consistently sought solutions and worked towards a mutually beneficial outcome.
James van Wyk Founder and CEO | Energenic
Sanari has helped us expand our vision beyond borders, supporting our efforts to take cutting-edge African-born technology to the global stage. Sanari Capital isn’t just an investor—they are a true partner in innovation, impact, and global expansion.
Nadia Nilsen Co-founder and CEO | LightWare LiDAR

Investment criteria

Unlock future value for your business

Investment size

R50m - R250m

R50 million (USD 3 million) to R250 million (USD 15 million) in single or multiple tranches. Larger investments are possible with investor backing.
Investment stake
Control or minority shareholding with significant influence.
Geographies
South Africa and other select Sub-Saharan African countries with global/regional growth prospects.
Minimum Criteria
Prospective investee companies must meet the following minimum criteria to fit within our investment mandate:
  • At least three years’ operating history.
  • Minimum revenues > R50 million, or USD 3 million (exceptions may apply for bolt-on acquisitions).
  • Inherently profitable and cash-generative; open to negative EBITDA businesses for driving growth.
  • Is domiciled/operated in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Fits within our investment themes.

Download our detailed investment criteria for more on our mandate and strategy

Download our investment criteria

Contact us with your investment opportunity

Submit your investment opportunity

Meet the team championing our portfolio investments

Our team