Aions Creative Technology expands its investment portfolio with five additional startups

As per the UN, SMMEs account for over 98% of formal businesses, and according to The Brenthurst Foundation, they employ 50-60% of the labor force and contribute 34% towards GDP.

Yet, despite their pivotal role, South African SMMEs encounter various obstacles, such as limited access to funding, market saturation, and regulatory intricacies. The UN indicates that South Africa experiences a higher SMME failure rate compared to the global average, with 70-80% of small businesses ceasing operations within five years.

In response to these challenges, Aions Creative Technology, a local venture builder (VB), through its partnership with Telkom FutureMakers to support the growth and success of promising black-owned, youth led start-ups, has added five more to its stable: 

• SpaceSalad Studios : A studio for gaming and creative content.
• Delivery Ka Speed: A township food delivery service.
• Welo: A platform that connects corporate clients with top-tier healthcare professionals and employee wellness initiatives.
• The Awareness Company: A risk mitigation software company that provides real-time, automated awareness.
• Credipple: A talent marketplace for trusted creative and digital professionals.

These start-ups were chosen through a rigorous selection process and will receive funding and support from Aions, enabled in part by the R58 million awarded by Telkom FutureMakers to Aions in 2023. 

Founded in 2022 by Mitchan Adams, also known as a co-founder of the fintech success story Ozow, Aions is dedicated to utilizing B-BBEE funding from local businesses to swiftly develop local startups into scalable, sustainable ventures. With a vision centered on stimulating economic growth and curbing unemployment, Aions offers startups access to capital, expertise, and market insights from seasoned entrepreneurs.

Kerryn Campion, Aions’ COO, underscores the significant challenges faced by startups in South Africa. However, she highlights that with strategic planning, managed capital investments, mentorship, and leveraging digital advancements, startups can navigate these hurdles more effectively. Aions proudly collaborates with Telkom FutureMakers to bolster the growth of promising startups and make a positive impact on the South African economy.

Campion further explains: “Aions aims to bring more small businesses to market and foster innovation in key sectors. In addition to investments from South African corporates and partnerships like the one with Telkom FutureMakers, we offer Aions Exchange, an innovative online ‘mini stock exchange’ allowing ordinary South Africans to invest in Aions-supported startups with contributions starting from as little as R50.”