CALLING ALL SOUTH AFRICAN HOUSING ENTREPRENEURS

Lead Impact Capital, in partnership with the Novo Impact Fund, Oppenheimer Generations and Impact Amplifier, have established a R40m fund to positively impact housing innovations tackling backyard dwellings in townships across South Africa. 

APPLY NOW

Applications close 30 June

Info session: 1 June 2022
15:00 - 16:00 SAST
Register here

Blue House

The Inclusive Housing Fund

  • Has a total of R40m (debt, max Prime +2%, 5 - 7 years) to invest into housing innovations tackling backyard dwellings in South Africa.
  • Utilising a blended financing structure, the Funds seeks to provide concessional funding and acceleration services to SMEs addressing this social need.
  • Combines capital alongside capacity, particularly investment readiness support.
  • Is managed by Lead Impact Capital (Pty) Ltd, a registered asset management company (License no. 50498). Fund administration is provided by Prescient Fund Services (Pty) Ltd.
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Context for the Inclusive Housing Fund

  • Expand high impact entrepreneurs scaling globally
  • Leverage Ireland’s role as a global tech hub,
  • Soften access to European and international markets
  • Lean on the South African tech ecosystem as a partner and the South African government.
  • Provide a new platform for tech entrepreneurs who address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“An appreciable share (12.5%) of South Africa’s population, particularly the urban population, lives in backyard dwellings.”
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”The demand for formal, affordable housing in low-income urban centres, consistently outstrips demand. Formal backyard dwellings provide safe, affordable living for low-income families, and students across South Africa. However, the banking system provides little/no capital to homeowners, or township property developers, resulting in unsafe informal structures being erected, which are often fire hazards, and disconnected from water, waste and energy services. This does not only create public health risks, but it equally doesn’t build the asset value of homeowners living in townships.
APPLY NOWFAQ
Collage of smart phone and south african map image

Context for the Inclusive Housing Fund

  • Expand high impact entrepreneurs scaling globally
  • Leverage Ireland’s role as a global tech hub,
  • Soften access to European and international markets
  • Lean on the South African tech ecosystem as a partner and the South African government.
  • Provide a new platform for tech entrepreneurs who address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“An appreciable share (12.5%) of South Africa’s population, particularly the urban population, lives in backyard dwellings.” (Statistics South Africa)
‍
The demand for formal, affordable housing in low-income urban centres consistently outstrips the supply. Formal backyard dwellings provide safe, affordable living for low-income families, and students across South Africa. However, the banking system provides little to no capital to homeowners and township property developers, resulting in unsafe informal structures being erected. These informal structures often present fire hazards, and are disconnected from public services (water, waste and energy). This not only creates public health risks, but offers no benefit in building the asset value of homeowners living in townships.
APPLY NOWFAQs

Key dates

16 May:     
Fund launches
1 June:
Information session
15:00 - 16:00 SAST
REGISTER HERE
30 June:
Submission deadline
May onwards:
Investment Readiness Acceleration
July:
Investees announced
** Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. The Fund will invest continuously throughout this period.
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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

STAGE
Post revenue; 2 years track history, and cash generative.
SECTORS
SMMEs / intermediaries in inclusive housing (and services), and rental accommodations for township residents in urban, and peri-urban centers across South Africa.
IMPACT
Address one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. See SDG list
TEAM
At least one founder/CEO must be full-time; Women-led or youth-led companies from previously disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply.
OWNERSHIP
At least 51% owned by a South African.
GEOGRAPHY
Headquartered in South Africa. Companies operating outside South Africa’s top 4 metros (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban) are encouraged to apply.
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Investment Committee

Kreesen Naicker Profile Image
CARRON HOWARD
CEO, LEAD IMPACT CAPITAL
Sandra Makuchete Profile Image
Dr Willie Els
Novo Impact Fund NPC
Max Pichulik Profile Image
Max pichulik
PARTNER, IMPACT AMPLIFIER
Dr Babongile Mkhize Profile Image
TANNER METHVIN
PARTNER, IMPACT AMPLIFIER
Includes highly qualified and impartial experts with experience in the technology and innovation sector and/or experience working with entrepreneurs at varying stages of their entrepreneurship journey

PARTNERs

Embassy of Ireland in South Africa image Department of science and innovation imageTechnology innovation agency image