Being part of Counder is by invitation or application only, offering access to a trusted network, exclusive events, strategic introductions, curated discussions, high-caliber deal flow, co-investment opportunities, and meaningful connections. You will benefit from:
Counder Conference Access
- Three-day fully catered event at premier venues in Cape Town
- Exclusive strategic content and discussions with fellow visionary leaders
Curated Introductions
- Personalised introductions & ongoing connection facilitation
- Discuss Investments, Projects & Opportunities with fellow Counder Members
Year-Round Events & Dinners
- Access curated events and private peer-to-peer exchange in exclusive settings
- Deepen connections from Counder Conference through unique experiences
Collaboration Opportunities
- Access vetted deal flow & co-investment opportunities accross new markets & sectors
- Collaborate on philanthropic & impact-driven projects
What is a "Counder Member"?
Counder Members are carefully selected visionary leaders who collaboratively explore tomorrow's most important opportunities.
Members actively engage through Counder's foundational pillars—Conference, Calendar, Connect and Context—fostering high-trust relationships, groundbreaking insights, and purpose-driven action.
To be considered a part of our collective and recognised as a Counder Member, individuals must have either attended Counder Conference or been invited to an upcoming one.
Key Criteria for Members:
- Forward-Looking Mindset: Embracing innovation and emerging opportunities.
- Proven Excellence: Track record of success across diverse fields (Investors, Entrepreneurs, Executives, Academics, Diplomats, Artists, Athletes).
- Significant Capital or Impact: Proven ability to substantially contribute capital or impactful expertise.
- Impact-Driven Attitude: Passionate about creating transformative, positive change.
- Community Contribution: Actively shares resources and collaborates within the Counder community.
How selective is the application process?
Our initiative registration process is intentionally selective, aiming to cultivate a high-caliber network of visionary leaders passionate about collaboration and strong outcomes. Prospective Members can apply directly via counder.com/be-part or gain preferred access through a Member's invitation and personal invitation code. Each application undergoes a thorough review of experience, track record, and forward-thinking mindset to ensure alignment and enrichment of the community.
What does it cost to become a Counder member?
Becoming a Counder Member is FREE, but access is by invitation or approved registration only. While membership in our collective is free, we welcome those Members who wish to support Counder more deeply—as Mission Partners (contributing to our network growth) or Equity Partners (investing in our long-term impact). This model removes financial barriers while reinforcing our commitment to building a collaboration-driven, high-trust network focused on shaping the future—together.
What are the benefits of being a Counder Member?
Membership offers:
- Access to the Counder Conference and curated events.
- A global network of like-minded leaders.
- Unique insights via Counder Context.
- Year-round engagement through the digital platform, Counder Connect.
- Collaboration opportunities in investments, ventures, and philanthropy.
What is the expected time commitment?
The primary commitment is the annual flagship Counder Conference, designed to spark meaningful connections. Beyond that, engagement is flexible, with optional events and year-round interactions via Counder Connect, a bespoke WhatsApp chatbot that offers seamless access to updates, introductions & ways to connect, to be launched at Counder Conference 2026.
Visionary Leaders at Counder Conference 2026
Michael Jordaan
Founder & CEO, Montegray Capital | Venture Capitalist
Ido Sum
Partner, TLcom Capital
Aguil Deng
Corporate Philanthropy Africa, Bloomberg
Michael Louis
Chairman, WestProp Holdings
Nick Ackerman
Partner, Lionhead Capital Partners
Tanja Werheit
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Cape Town
Karl Westvig
CEO, TymeBank | Private Investor
Andrew da Costa
Co-founder and Partner, The Intrepid.
Dr. Jonathan Doerr
Partner, Antler
Dr. Oliver Merkel
Founder & Managing Director, Flink SE | Private Investor
André Kanya
Founding Partner, w3.fund
Claudia Zeisberger
Professor of Entrepreneurship & Family Enterprise, INSEAD
Joshin Raghubar
CEO, iKineo Ventures
James Boardman
Founder, Grey Heron Venture Partners
Manuel Koser
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Silvertree Brands
Hans Otterling
Partner, Norrsken22
Tom Boardman
Investor | Non-Executive Director, African Rainbow Capital & TymeBank
Johan Bosini
Partner, Quona Capital
Nicolaas Marais
Chairman & Co-Founder, Carmel Wealth
Jonathan Cordero
Chief Executive Officer, SAUDI GOLD Refinery Co.
Louis Norval
Founder, Norval Foundation | Investor
Thilo von Selchow
Family Office
Andrew Stewart
Partner, Level One Fund
Gregor Unger
Managing Partner, caesar.
Philipp Ströhemann
Private Investor
James Bailes
Co-Founder, Castlelton Capital
James Mwangi
Founder & CEO, Africa Climate Ventures
Basetsana Kumalo
Executive Chairman & CEO of Basetsana Woman Investment Holdings
Sören Martius
Founder, Terramate
Anuradha Das Mathur
Chair, IMA Policy Forum
Reyburn Hendricks
Director, H1 Holdings
Sherine Kabesh
CEO, Flash
Caroline Greyling
Museum Director, Norval Foundation
Organisations can partner with Counder to access our trusted network, gain visibility among influential leaders, and create meaningful collaborations. Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities and how your organisation can benefit from Counder.
Voices from Partners 2025
This conference felt more like a family than a typical event. The quality of attendees—top investors, industry leaders, and innovators—made every conversation meaningful.
Africa was a key focus for us, and the depth of discussions was unmatched. But it went beyond that—private equity, industrial tech, and alternative assets were explored in ways that sparked real opportunities. The curated format, high-caliber connections, and intimate setting made this a standout experience. This wasn’t just networking—it was building lasting relationships.
We will partner again!
Counder Conference has established itself as a vital convening point in Cape Town — bringing together investors, business leaders, and decision-makers from South Africa and around the world. It fosters a spirit of open exchange, meaningful collaboration, and forward-looking optimism. We view this network as a valuable bridge in our broader efforts to channel capital and innovation into the region, and we are proud to support its continued growth.
Great dialogues - in the conference room, but especially on the side. Counder has customised a unique experience for us. A lot of interesting people. Quality time, that we had over the three days, is really appreciated. The right people. The right places.
What are the general criteria for Counder Organisational Partners?
Counder Organisational Partners are world-class organisations—sponsors and strategic collaborators—that align with our mission. They engage with our pillars to amplify their brand, connect with visionary leaders, and contribute to meaningful collaboration on tomorrow's most important opportunities.
What defines an organisation as a fit for a Counder Organisational Partnership?
Counder Organisational Partners are organisations at the forefront of tomorrow's most important opportunities—whether that's pioneering breakthroughs in AI, leading the charge on climate solutions, or redefining global markets. They are world-class leaders in their fields, committed to driving innovation and impact. If your organisation is actively shaping the future and eager to collaborate on the trends that will define tomorrow, you're the kind of partner we're looking for.
How does Counder ensure partnerships drive real impact?
Every collaboration is custom-built to align a Counder Organisational Partner's vision with the trends shaping tomorrow. Together we identify where your strengths meet our network's opportunities and interests—whether that's co-hosting deep topical sessions, launching joint ventures, or offering investment resources and deal flow. We believe that collaboration between world-class Counder Organisational Partners and our global network of visionary leaders doesn't just look good on paper—it delivers measurable results.
How can organisations become partners?
Interested in partnering? Your best way to reach out and discuss collaboration opportunities is via our partner form via counder.com/be-part. We'll work with you to create a partnership that aligns with your goals and our vision.
What benefits do partners receive?
Partners enjoy:
- Brand visibility and engagement opportunities within a prestigious global network.
- Access to influential leaders for networking and collaboration.
- Opportunities to co-create events, insights, and impact projects.
- Opportunity to invite your clients to Counder Conference
- Alignment with Counder's values of trust and collaboration.
It's a powerful way to elevate your organisation while driving change.
