Savca announces inaugural industry awards in line with 20th anniversary

The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (Savca) has announced the launch of the inaugural Savca Industry Awards.

The annual sector accolades form part of the organisation’s 20th anniversary celebration and will recognise portfolio companies involved the private equity and venture capital sector in the region, Savca said in a press release today.

All investee companies that are headquartered in Southern Africa and are currently benefiting from these types of investments, or that have had investors exit within the last 12 months, are eligible for consideration by the judging panel.

Judges will comprise business leaders and captains of industry, with the awards being supported and sponsored by Investec Corporate and Institutional Banking.

Savca CEO Tanya van Lill said with an increased government focus on small business as a contributor to overall gross domestic product (GDP) and employment growth, the awards will serve to highlight the achievements of portfolio companies as they relate to innovation; environmental and social impacts; profit and investor returns; job creation and reputation.

Categories include:

· Small Companies – seed or early-stage growth investments with an enterprise value of under R50-million and revenue of under R200-million.

· Medium-sized Companies – expansion stage investments with an enterprise value of R50-million to R1-billion and revenue of R200-million to R2-billion.

· Large Companies – with an enterprise value of more than R1-billion and revenue of above R2-billion per annum.

· Chairman’s Award – recognising exemplary work within the sector, awarded at the judges’ discretion.

Lourens van Rensburg, head of Investec Corporate and Institutional Banking, said his organisation is “delighted” to be associated with the very first Savca Industry Awards as lead sponsor.

“We are especially proud to be part of an event that recognises the exceptional performance of portfolio companies in the sector, as well as their contribution to society and Southern Africa as a whole,” he said.

Added Van Lill: “We are looking for businesses that stand out amongst their peers; demonstrating skilled execution of particular projects as well as evidence of bold and authentic leadership.

“The positive impact that private equity/venture capital has had on the business also needs to be reflected – this includes mentorship, strategic advice, governance and new market access,” said Van Lill.

Private equity and venture capital investors can nominate investee companies or these businesses can nominate themselves by submitting an entry form via the Savca awards website. Judges will select a shortlist of finalists across the outlined categories who will be assessed and interviewed.

These findings will be presented to the judging panel, with the process culminating in winners being announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at Monte Casino in Johannesburg in November.

Nominations for the awards close on the 15 April. For more information and to nominate an investee company, click here.