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Key Points
- Johannesburg-based Sanari Capital closed $80 million for its Sanari 3S Growth Fund to drive mid-market businesses across Africa through innovation and tech.
- Sanari has invested in four firms, including Edulife Group and iiDENTIFii, focusing on education, energy, and cutting-edge identity verification solutions.
- With a diverse investor base, including South Africa's PIC, the fund supports sustainable, scalable businesses generating 60% of revenue in hard currencies.
Sanari Capital, a Johannesburg based private equity firm founded by Samantha Pokroy, has successfully raised $80 million for the final close of its Sanari 3S Growth Fund, aimed at fueling mid-market businesses across Africa.
The fund focuses on businesses that capitalize on technology, innovation, and emerging sector trends, positioning itself as a key player in the continent's economic growth.
Empowering innovation and economic growth across Africa
“This milestone reflects strong confidence in our investment strategy,” Pokroy said. “With four investments already concluded and a robust pipeline aligned with our thematic focus, this capital empowers us to accelerate our execution. We are confident in delivering both transformative impacts on the ground and strong financial returns for our investors.”
The firm’s leadership underscored the potential of African businesses to compete on a global stage. “We are inspired by the innovative technologies emerging from South Africa that are in high demand beyond our borders,” said Moushmi Patel, Executive Director at Sanari.
Sanari’s investment philosophy blends private equity with purposeful growth, focusing on diversity, economic development, and sustainable returns. Executive Directors Sihle Gumede and Ofentse Pelle highlight their unique approach, prioritizing digital and human enablement through a 3S strategy—building sustainable, scalable, and saleable businesses that are resilient to local GDP trends.
The fund has attracted a diverse range of institutional investors, including South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Alexforbes Investments, the 27four Black Business Growth Fund, the National Fund for Municipal Workers, and various prominent retirement funds.
Transforming Africa’s business landscape
Founded in 2013, Sanari Capital targets high-growth companies across Africa, particularly in South Africa, with the potential for both regional and global expansion.
The firm’s investments range up to R250 million ($14 million) for businesses at inflection points, driven by tech innovation and sectoral growth. Sanari’s portfolio already generates approximately 60 percent of revenue in hard currencies, supported by its export-driven focus and geographical diversification across Africa.
Under Pokroy’s leadership, the founder, and the CEO, with two decades of experience in private equity and venture capital in South Africa and the U.S., Sanari Capital continues to focus on unlocking business potential through digital and human enablement, creating opportunities that foster both financial growth and societal impact.
The firm has already made notable investments in four transformative companies: Edulife Group, which provides affordable education; LightWare LiDAR, known for producing the smallest and lightest LiDAR sensors; iiDENTIFii, a leader in African identity verification; and Energenic Holdings, a Pan-African energy solutions provider.
