Kalon Venture Partners

Kalon Venture Partners is a disruptive technology VC team focused on creating smart returns by generating both financial and non-financial value. They invest growth capital, typically acquiring a minority stake, in high-growth, innovative digital technology companies. Their strategy involves hands-on involvement to build valuable assets and exit through trade sales or IPOs. They aim to support African entrepreneurs scaling businesses that disrupt traditional industries like banking, insurance, retail, media, and entertainment. They conduct detailed due diligence to reduce business risk and target a minimum return of 5X money with an IRR greater than 30% on each investment. Kalon seeks companies with strong management teams, clear exit strategies, and scalable business models where profits increase faster than revenue. They prioritize early-stage businesses with a revenue and profitability track record needing growth capital, as well as those with revenue but not yet profitable. Traction with a referenceable client base, high-growth potential market opportunities including cross-border growth, high gross margins, recurring revenue potential, and a strong competitive position with differentiated IP are key criteria. They leverage Section 12J of the Income Tax Act to provide tax incentives to investors. The investment criteria also include businesses showing high revenue and profit growth potential. They aim to invest in companies that operate initially in South Africa with the intention to scale them across Africa and globally. The firm also has an investment leeway of up to 20% to invest in non-qualifying companies. With the discontinuation of the Section 12J tax incentive in June 2021 for new investments, Kalon's focus remains on maximizing returns from prior investments and continues to seek out disruptive technology companies for growth capital.

Disruptive digital technology, high growth companies, technology-based solutions, FinTech, InsurTech, RetailTech, MediaTech, EntertainmentTech

Core thematic spaces, technologies, and target market segments of interest.