7 companies founded by South African billionaire Rob Hersov

South African businessman Rob Hersov is one of the rainbow country’s wealthiest men, and one of its most prominent figures in business and socio-political circles.

The outspoken businessman, who is well-known as a vehement critic of the ruling party, ANC, is an heir to the founding family of AngloVaal, a large Southern African mining and industrial company that the family sold off in the late 1990s. Hersov’s grandfather, Bob Hersov, founded AngloVaal, and Rob’s father, Basil Hersov, ran the company from 1973 to 2001.

While Hersov might have inherited a generous trust fund, the Harvard MBA has found his own success. After his MBA, Hersov enjoyed stints at Goldman Sachs and as an assistant to U.S. billionaire media mogul, Rupert Murdoch. In 1998, he founded private jet company Marquis Jets Europe, which he eventually sold to Berkshire Hathaway’s NetJets in 2004.

Subsequent to the sale of Marquis Jets to Netjets, Hersov has gone to lead large multinationals and created multiple companies worth tens of millions of dollars.

Billionaires.Africa looks at seven businesses the Cape Town-based tycoon has founded over time.

Marquis Jet Europe

In 1998, Hersov established Marquis Jet Europe, introducing short-term private jet utilization for both corporate and personal travel via cards offering 25 hours of flying time on a variety of jets. The company was acquired by NetJets in 2004.

African Gold Acquisition Corporation (AGAC)

African Gold Acquisition Corporation, registered in the Cayman Islands and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, functions as a blank check enterprise, pursuing acquisitions of businesses and assets through mergers, capital stock exchanges, asset procurements, stock purchases, and reorganizations.

YachtPlus

YachtPlus provides members with flexible access to a collection of luxury superyachts. Clients are afforded 1/8th equity ownership in a yacht, accompanied by shared maintenance and crew expenses.

The Sapinda Group

Sapinda Group, an investment firm, engages in global investments across capital markets and corporate holdings. Among its investments, Sapinda holds a controlling stake in Ichor Coal N.V., a firm primarily active in South Africa and Asia, and in Amatheon Agri Holding N.V., an enterprise focusing on agricultural operations and farmland in Africa.

Invest Africa

Founded by Hersov in 2013, Invest Africa serves as a dedicated network facilitating engagement between private and institutional investors, funds, and HNWIs and opportunities within Africa. Invest Africa’s network encompasses worldwide corporations, private investors, fund managers, family offices, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

Adoreum Partners

Operating from the United Kingdom, Adoreum Partners is a specialized global business development agency, boasting extensive ties to CEOs, investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and influencers. Central to the company is the Adoreum Club — a specialized business development platform that connects corporate members through a regular schedule of events in London, Zurich, and Monaco.

The Adoreum Club plays a pivotal role in supporting Adoreum Capital, an affiliated merchant venture capital platform through which investments in companies are made.

Sportal

Hersov established Sportal, an online sports network responsible for operating websites for prominent football clubs such as AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Sporting Lisbon.