VC4A (www.VC4A.com), the leading ecosystem builder in emerging markets, is proud to announce that it will co-host the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (#AESIS2024) (www.AfricaInvestorSummit.com/) on November 28-29, 2024 once again in Cape Town. Now in its 11th year, the Summit remains Africa’s premier gathering for early stage investors seeking an opportunity to network with and build lasting relationships with the broader investor community. VC4A extends an invitation to investors, policymakers, financial institutions and fellow ecosystem builders to join us in Cape Town for a disruptive investor-led experience.

For a decade, VC4A through its platform has remained a driving force in putting Africa’s startup ecosystem on the global investment map. The organization spotlights the continent’s high-potential, high-growth startups who have secured $850M till date through its annual investment readiness program, the VC4A Venture Showcase (www.VentureShowcase.VC4A.com/). #AESIS2024 is further proof of its commitment to providing a suitable sub-ecosystem for all players and drivers to thrive. Tailored exclusively for investors, the Summit is the top destination that offers rich networking opportunities and high-potential investment prospects.

The Africa Early Stage Investor Summit is co-created with long-term partner, the African Business Angel Network (ABAN). Through 10 editions till date, the Summit has grown exponentially with more than 2,500 investors from 90 countries worldwide participating. As co-creators and hosts, VC4A makes possible the curation of a world-class agenda, selecting high-potential startups for the showcase segment, and facilitating connections between investors and entrepreneurs. Through our extensive network and deep understanding of the African startup ecosystem, VC4A ensures that the Summit delivers value to all attendees.

Vincent Hoogduijn, CEO at VC4A, comments on the significance of #AESIS2024:

 “As the leading gathering for early-stage investors in Africa, AESIS is a pivotal platform where key players shaping the continent’s investment landscape come together to connect, collaborate, and create lasting impact. AESIS is more than just a discussion forum – it’s a catalyst for action. Looking at 2024 and beyond, it is essential to continue mobilizing capital, fostering innovation, and driving impactful investment to support the growth of Africa’s most promising startups. By building a dynamic community of investors and entrepreneurs together, we can accelerate the growth trajectory of Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and unlock its full potential.”

Opportunities for Africa-focused investors at #AESIS2024

The theme for #AESIS2024 is aptly “Pioneering Pathways: Innovating Investment Mobilization in Africa.” This topic bridges the Summit’s mission to empower investors to make informed decisions, support promising ventures, and drive positive change across the African continent.

For eleven years, the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (#AESIS2024) has evolved to meet the dynamic needs of the African startup ecosystem. It all began in 2013, when a mere total of $2M was invested in young ventures in Africa. The Summit emerged as a response to the critical challenge of funding shortages facing promising businesses. Since then, it has been the mission of co-hosts, VC4A and the African Business Angel Network (ABAN), to create new pathways for African startups by addressing the capital shortage, forging new trails for investors, connecting key stakeholders, and delivering capital into the hands of African innovators.

As capital mobilization remains an ongoing need, the AESIS community aims to drive the charge of exploring innovative investment models to address the most pressing challenges. The Summit continues to be a powerhouse in African venture capital, connecting key stakeholders responsible for over 90% of investments into early stage ventures across the continent. In 2023, these investments totaled an impressive $2.9B. As Africa’s most active early stage investment facilitator, #AESIS2024 is uniquely positioned to observe and influence emerging trends going into the future.

The 2024 edition this year will feature a varied program with keynote speeches, panel discussions, masterclasses and networking events. Attendees can expect to hear from leading industry experts and seasoned investors on the continent. The Summit will also showcase a curated selection of high-potential African startups, offering investors first-pick exclusive access to new deal flow.

Get your #AESIS2024 tickets

To purchase tickets for the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit (#AESIS2024) taking place on November 28-29 in Cape Town, please visit AfricaInvestorSummit.com. Hurry now to reserve your seat.

Partner with us

To partner with #AESIS2024 or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Enkromelle@africainvestorsummit.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VC4A.

Media contact:
Boye Abiodun-Adepoju
boyewa@vc4a.com

About VC4A:
VC4A is an ecosystem builder that leverages its infrastructure, network, and expertise for the programs that contribute to the startup movement in emerging markets. Since 2007, the organization has designed, structured, and implemented successful entrepreneurship programs on the continent. VC4A runs an online platform featuring the world’s largest database of startups in Africa and Latin America, connecting entrepreneurs to resources, networks, and funding. Visit www.VC4A.com and latam.vc4a.com for more information.

In a world where football is evolving at a groundbreaking speed, World Football Summit Europe 2024 (www.WorldFootballSummit.com/) emerges as the platform where the sport’s future will be designed. On September 18th and 19th, Sevilla will become the epicenter of global football, hosting an unprecedented gathering of over 2,500 industry leaders, tech innovators, and football legends.

Key Highlights:

Global Gathering: Over 2,500 attendees, including industry leaders, football legends, representatives from football properties such as the ECA, FC Barcelona, or Liverpool FC, and top global brands like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Turkish Airlines, among hundred others.
Premier Speakers: Featuring influential figures like Giorgio Chiellini, Toni Nadal, Javier Tebas, Maheta Molango and Gaia Pretner.
Comprehensive Agenda: 11 different tracks covering emerging trends such as football technology, investment, sustainability initiatives, women’s football development, and new revenue streams in the digital age.
Sustainability Focus: WFS commits to planting a forest in the region, mitigating the event’s carbon footprint.

World Football Summit (WFS) is set to return to Sevilla for its 8th edition on September 18th and 19th, 2024. Held at the renowned FIBES, WFS Europe 2024 aims to be the most impactful gathering yet, bringing together the football industry’s most powerful voices to discuss and shape the future of the sport.

With a stellar lineup of over 100 speakers, the event will feature industry heavyweights like Giorgio Chiellini, Italian football legend, Toni Nadal, renowned coach and uncle of tennis star Rafael Nadal, Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA, Maheta Molango, from the Professional Footballers Association, and Gaia Pretner, from the European Club Association.

Top Brands and Clubs Represented: The event will see participation from leading global brands including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Rexona, Turkish Airlines, La Junta de Andalucía, Radisson Hotel Group or The Football Business Academy, all of whom play crucial roles in the intersection of technology, branding, and talent. Major clubs and organizations, such as FIFA, LALIGA, European Club Association, and top European football clubs like FC Barcelona, Juventus, and Liverpool FC, will be in attendance, further cementing WFS Europe as the premier football industry event, capable of gathering the entire football community under one roof.

Mission and Goals: The mission of WFS Europe 2024 is clear: to serve as a gateway for connections that will create a more professional and thriving football industry. Through its comprehensive agenda covering 11 different tracks, the summit aims to foster crucial conversations and collaborations that will shape the future of football.

Interactive Experience: In addition to the main conference, WFS Europe 2024 will feature a dedicated fan zone complete with a food court, cutting-edge technology demonstrations, and even a human foosball installation, providing attendees with unique, hands-on experiences.

Local and Global Impact: As in previous years, the event is expected to be a catalyst for job creation, sports tourism, and visibility for Sevilla and Andalucía as ideal hubs for sports innovation. Moreover, thanks to its “Networking&Streaming Pass,” industry professionals from around the world can join remotely, extending the summit’s reach and impact globally.

Sustainability Initiatives: In alignment with the growing need for environmental sustainability within the industry, World Football Summit has partnered with Bosquia to plant a forest in the region, mitigating the carbon footprint of the event.

Innovation Showcase: The summit will also spotlight many promising startups, providing them with a platform to showcase their innovative solutions aimed at unlocking new levels of growth in the football industry.

Diversity and Inclusion: Continuing its commitment to diversity, WFS aims to achieve 30% women representation in both the speaker lineup and overall attendee figures. The summit’s Female Leaders in Football gathering has gained notoriety for its impact and the opportunities it creates for ambitious women in football business.

WFS Awards and Networking Opportunities: A highlight of the summit will be the prestigious WFS Awards, presented by La Junta de Andalucía. The awards will honor excellence across several categories, including Best Executive, Best Digital Transformation Initiative, and Best Women’s Football Initiative. These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations that are driving innovation and growth within the football industry.

In addition to the awards, there will be various exclusive workshops covering topics such as Sportainment, sustainability, and innovation, supported by partners like Common Goal, SportBoost, and LaSource.

Media Opportunities: A dedicated media hub will be available at the Summit where members of the press will be able to interview and connect with high-caliber representatives of the football industry.

Marian Otamendi, CEO at WFS, shared her enthusiasm: “We are at a crucial moment in the industry. With so many changes, ownership dynamics and technological shifts impacting the sport, it is more important than ever for football industry leaders to meet, connect, and collaborate towards building a better football industry. One that is more professional, inclusive, diverse and sustainable.”

The impact of WFS is best summarized by football legend Ronaldo Nazario: “It’s an exclusive and very important event for the future development of football. The organisation, the content, the discussions, a spectacular event.”

For 48 hours, Sevilla will transform into the global center of the football world, as WFS Europe 2024 fosters crucial conversations and connections that will shape the future of football.

WFS Europe 2024 By The Numbers: 2,500+ attendees | 100+ speakers | 11 content tracks | 30% women representation | 1 forest planted

Fast Facts:

WFS Europe celebrates its 8th edition in 2024, and the 23rd World Football Summit event
The event has facilitated millions in business deals since its inception
WFS boasts a global community of 120,000+ football industry professionals
Past speakers include legends like Ronaldo Nazario, Clarence Seedorf, and Samuel Eto’o and relevant characters like Nobel Peace Prize winner Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Fatma Samoura, Peter Moore or Sir Martin Sorrell.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Football Summit.

For press accreditation and media inquiries, please contact:
Jaime Dominguez Communications Director
World Football Summit
press@worldfootballsummit.com

For more information, visit World Football Summit (www.WorldFootballSummit.com/).

About World Football Summit: 
World Football Summit is the premier international event for the football industry, gathering the most influential professionals in the game to address the industry’s most pressing issues and generate business opportunities.

Verdant IMAP (www.Verdant-Cap.com) has advised Germany-based DEKRA SE on the sale of DEKRA Automotive (“DEKRA”), the largest independent vehicle testing group in South Africa. 

South Africa-based DEKRA specialises in legislated automotive roadworthy testing through its vehicle inspection and testing stations nationwide and also provides other non-regulated inspection services such as certification services, condition reports and technical inspection checks. 

DEKRA SE, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany with operations in 60 countries, completed over 31 million vehicle tests in 2023.  

The transaction attracted strong interest from private equity and strategic buyers alike. 

The transaction reinforces Verdant IMAP’s position as a leading advisor in the industrials sector, as well as its success supporting M&A exits for a broad range of clients, including leading multinationals, private equity and owner managers. 

Terms for the transaction were not disclosed. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.

Media enquiries: 
Orient Mahonisi 
​orient.mahonisi@verdant-cap.com  

About Verdant IMAP: 
Verdant IMAP is a leading investment bank operating on a pan-African focus, specialising in M&A and in private capital markets.  Verdant IMAP is the IMAP partner firm for its region.  IMAP with partner firms in nearly 50 countries, with over 600 M&A professionals, completing over 200 M&A transactions per year, reinforces Verdant IMAP’s capability to deliver innovative financial solutions to clients across Africa and around the World. www.Verdant-Cap.com   

Located at the heart of Johannesburg, Melrose Arch (www.MelroseArch.co) is the city’s premier mixed-use precinct, seamlessly integrating business, leisure, and living. Perfectly positioned between Sandton and Rosebank, and with easy access to the M1 highway, it offers unparalleled infrastructure, including uninterrupted power, a dependable water supply, and eco-friendly systems. 

In Johannesburg’s dynamic landscape, Melrose Arch stands as a beacon of modern urbanism. This exceptional mixed-use precinct harmoniously combines work, leisure, and living spaces, presenting a distinctive blend of convenience and sophistication. 

Melrose Arch is synonymous with self-sufficiency and seamless operation. In a city often challenged by power outages, water shortages, and utility inefficiencies, it offers a refreshing alternative. Solar energy ensures an uninterrupted power supply, while a reliable backup water system guarantees consistent availability. The precinct’s advanced water chiller system maintains a comfortable indoor climate, complemented by an eco-friendly waste recycling system that underscores its commitment to sustainability. The verdant gardens and clean air further elevate the quality of life, while the expansive super-basement network offers ample parking and ease of access across the precinct. 

The Ideal Business Environment 
Melrose Arch is the perfect locale for businesses seeking modern, adaptable office spaces. The precinct features a range of commercial properties tailored to various business needs. For instance, 34 Melrose Boulevard boasts a central atrium that floods the space with natural light, while 39 Melrose Boulevard, offers a four-star green rating and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities. This seven-story structure, prominently situated on the M1 highway, provides excellent visibility for corporate branding and ample parking options. 

At 10 High Street, the top floors offer breathtaking views of the internal gardens and uninterrupted views of the city skyline. The building has direct access to the vibrant retail galleria and lush green spaces. The building is conveniently located near the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and The Protea Fire and Ice hotel. 

All buildings within the precinct benefit from a robust fibre optic network, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity with dual-source redundancy. The building management system includes advanced access control and intercoms, with telephony and data services available on-site if required. 

Why Choose Melrose Arch? 
Businesses at Melrose Arch enjoy direct access to landlords, enabling swift decision-making and on-site management. The precinct boasts 24/7 security, a dedicated control room, and secure parking with panic buttons. With its uninterrupted solar-powered electricity and backup water systems, Melrose Arch ensures seamless business continuity. 

Centrally located with easy access to the M1 highway via Corlett Drive and Athol Oaklands off-ramps, Melrose Arch is a coveted address for blue-chip companies such as South 32, Glencore, and Pepsi Co. It’s also conveniently close to the Rosebank Gautrain station and regular Gautrain commuter bus routes. 

Hotels and conferencing on the property  
Melrose Arch has four world-class hotels, with a total of over 700 rooms. The five-star Johannesburg Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and the Marriott Executive Apartments Melrose Arch connect discerning international business travellers to one of the most sought-after long-stay destinations in Johannesburg. The African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, Autograph Collection, and contemporary four-star Protea Hotel Fire&Ice! by Marriott Melrose Arch offer ideal accommodation, whether one is conferencing, meeting or simply looking for a leisure stay.   

The Venue Melrose Arch offers a complete events solution with a fresh, modern approach. With emphasis on exceptional service, sensational food&in-house technical equipment this facility has conference rooms to host events for 25-800 people, and provide an unforgettable experience.  

A Commitment to Sustainability 
Leading the way in Johannesburg’s sustainability efforts, Melrose Arch operates an eco-centre for waste sorting and recycling, and a district cooling system that conserves energy.  Year to date, it has recycled 89% of its waste, saved significant quantities of CO2, water, trees, and electricity, and generates 3.2MW of clean solar energy annually. 

Beyond its business appeal, Melrose Arch offers a vibrant lifestyle with over 100 local and international retail brands, diverse dining options, luxury hotels, and state-of-the-art health clubs. Tree-lined streets and green spaces create a delightful environment for work and relaxation. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Melrose Arch.

Contact us to find out more 
For businesses looking to make their mark in Johannesburg, Melrose Arch represents a unique opportunity. To explore available spaces and discover why Melrose Arch is the ideal choice for your business, contact Renee Feeney at Reneef@melrosearch.co.za or the Melrose Arch commercial leasing team at 011 684 0002. 

For more information, go to www.MelroseArch.co