Accelerating the growth of Africa.
With an emerging consumer base of 500m+ people Africa is an opportunity no one can afford to ignore.
About us
One Degree South is an investment holding, asset management and transaction advisory firm. We originate and structure projects to ensure bankability and provide and/or manage investor funding into investees.
Our investment horizons are not time bound and investment values range from US$5m to US$50m+. We take a flexible approach to project capital mix, structuring equity and debt funding to maximise investee growth - thereby delivering on, or exceeding, targeted investor returns.
Our Ecosystem Approach
Our approach to project vetting, selection and investment is designed to mitigate risk, and maximize returns for our Investors. We prioritize projects that can BOTH add value to AND benefit from collaboration with other investees within our portfolio. This approach serves to accelerate BOTH investee growth within a particular sector of our investment focus AND returns generated across the scope of our investment portfolio.
The 3 Pillars of our Investment Strategy
Scalability
Selecting business that are market makers, marketplaces and have, or can create, multi-segment scalable growth opportunities.
Growth
Investing into pure start-ups, go-to-market launch stage businesses or established companies looking to transform and pivot strategic direction.
Collaboration
Utilizing money, mentorship and management services to help ventures plot a sustainable path to growth and profitability.
Investment Focus
Sustainability
Renewable energy projects (solar, wind, water), green solutions (waste to energy and biomass), environmental services (recycling) and transportation(electric vehicles).
Technology
Tech ventures and mobile platforms that deliver impact at scale to both urban and rural communities. We focus on Fin-Tech, Ed-Tech, Med-Tech & Agri-Tech solutions.
Future Proofed Developments
Real estate projects that provide sustainable urban development solutions and combine the very best of eco-certifications and smart-city design thinking.
Why Africa -
Our Investment Thesis
Our investment tap into the 3 key African megatrends that are central to Africa’s growth story.
There is no such thing as “Africa”
With 52 countries, diversity is the norm and needs to be respected. A unifying theme is the expression of one’s own cultural identity via media, music, fashion, arts & sport.
Did you know - that across Africa the market for female hair care, extensions and treatments is worth US$2b annually.
The hidden masses are hidden no more
Historically under-represented and underserved – as women and youth take their rightful place in society - they are becoming prime engines of Africa’s prosperity.
Anything is Possible - Everything is Difficult
Realising the large scale market making opportunities that exist means matching the right project with the right funders at the right time, and healthy dose of realism.
The Team
Tim Smyth
General Partner & CEO
Isaac Kinuu
CFO
Kevin Ghiochi
Senior Analyst
