Supported by world-class organisations, global leaders gain shared experiences and insights in a stunning, natural environment - creating a uniquely trusted, connected and collaborative exchange.
1 TargetCollaborating on tomorrow's most important opportunitiesBe Part of Counder
The Why
Counder's community acknowledges that today's world is in constant flux. With the rise of AI, new mega cities and regions like the Middle East, there is one thing that has never been more important: Trusted connections that enable collaboration across the world for positive developments. It is this trust that Counder and its world-class partner organisations thrive to establish at the flagship Counder Conference and beyond.
Through in-person meetings, truly open and unfiltered exchange and deeply rooted insights, authentic links for real progress are established.
Deliberately choosing Cape Town, as our yearly conference's host city, Counder is inviting global decision-makers to a new space of international relevance in the global South.
Counder's vision is to be the foremost global network for visionary leaders to collaborate on tomorrow's most important opportunities.
The Who
By invitation/application-only, Counder Conference brings together a carefully selected collective of visionary leaders & world-class organisations. They embody a forward-thinking mindset, a commitment to collaborative exploration, and a drive for measurable impact.
We unite leaders from across industries and disciplines unlike any other conference. This rich diversity of perspectives creates the ideal environment for breakthrough thinking and cross-sector collaboration.
Leaders & Organisations at Counder are characterised by:
Investor | Non-Executive Director, African Rainbow Capital & TymeBank
Shola Akinlade
Co-Founder & CEO, Paystack | Private Investor
Sherine Kabesh
Co-Founder, Flash | Private Investor
Fedor Holz
EPT & WPT Champion | Private Investor
Raphael Strauch
Founder, Token2049 | Technology Investor
Christoph Zoeller
CEO, Instaffo | Private Investor
Caroline Greyling
Museum Director, Norval Foundation
Claudia Zeisberger
Professor of Entrepreneurship & Family Enterprise, INSEAD
2026 Verticals & Topics
Artificial IntelligenceAI's Global Inflection Point
Artificial IntelligenceAI's Global Inflection Point
Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and reshaping human potential. At Counder Conference, we uncover where AI meets ethical innovation, new investment frontiers, and global impact offering unparalleled opportunity for visionary investors seeking long-term value.
From Africa to Southeast Asia, new powerhouses are defining the future. Discover investment-ready ecosystems, local champions, and geopolitical shifts fueling outsized returns. Counder spotlights how to invest and assess risks where the future is being built off the beaten path.
In a fractured digital world, cyber resilience is now central to national and economic stability. Join Counder's dialogue on next-gen security startups, infrastructure bets, and the opportunities emerging at the frontier of digital defense and trust.
Solar, wind, and storage are no longer optional—they are inevitable. Counder assembles investors and pioneers reshaping how the world is powered. From Africa's grid gaps to global climate goals, this is the new energy investment thesis.
Counder dives into decentralized finance's disruption of legacy systems. From blockchain infrastructure to tokenized assets, we spotlight where capital is flowing and why investors are reimagining trust, liquidity, and value creation globally.
Breakthroughs in health, biotech, and data are extending life and enhancing well-being. At Counder, we unpack the longevity investment boom—from cellular therapies to healthspan startups reshaping aging.
Creators are becoming companies. Platforms, tools, and investor structures are evolving to meet this shift. Counder explores how culture, content, and commerce intersect—and where smart capital is enabling scalable creativity.
By 2050, two-thirds of humanity will live in cities. Counder explores how urbanization is driving opportunity in infrastructure, housing, transport, and civic tech—from Lagos to Los Angeles.
Carbon markets, biodiversity, and regenerative systems are unlocking returns through restoration. Counder puts climate action and nature-positive investment at the core of our shared future.
Emerging markets hold outsized venture potential. At Counder, we explore who's funding frontier innovation—and why global capital is doubling down on local dynamism.
Africa isn't just emerging – it's leapfrogging. From Cairo's fintech revolution to Cape Town's renewable energy innovations, the continent is writing its own playbook for the 21st century. Explore the entrepreneurs, ecosystems, and opportunities reshaping Africa's relationship with global innovation.
Leadership is being redefined by a generation that thinks differently about power, purpose, and progress. From founder-activists to distributed organizations, new models of leadership are emerging. Meet the voices shaping tomorrow and the frameworks they're using to build more inclusive, sustainable futures.
Sport is being disrupted by tech, media, and capital. Counder highlights where new leagues, athlete investors, and immersive fan experiences are creating investable edge.
Together with our partners, we’re shaping the frontier of thought and opportunity. Contribute your edge, define what’s next, and engage a visionary community. Be a partner of Counder.
At Counder, we know true progress thrives at the intersection of trusted connections, groundbreaking insights, and immersive experiences. We unite visionary leaders from around the world to explore tomorrow's most important opportunities together.
Our Collective fosters exclusive collaborations, strategic co-investments, and impactful outcomes. Whether you're a visionary investor seeking new frontiers or a leading pioneer in your field, you're invited to be a part of Counder. Together, let's shape the future and build a legacy that resonates across generations.
Counder Conference is our annual highlight— the full gathering of visionary leaders to explore tomorrow's most important opportunities together. Supported by world-class organisations, global leaders gain shared experiences and insights in a stunning, natural environment - creating a uniquely trusted, connected and collaborative exchange. It's where big ideas are born, trusted connections are made, and collaborative action on tomorrow's most important opportunities begins.
It is located in Cape Town not out of chance, but because: what better city to represent the future?
What does it cost to attend Counder Conference?
Counder Conference is FREE to attendbut by invitation or application only. We curate every participant to ensure alignment with our mission and maintain the integrity of our community. While attendance is free, we welcome those who want to contribute to support Counder as Mission Partners (contributing to our network growth) or Equity Partners (investing in our long-term impact). This approach removes financial barriers while reinforcing our commitment to building a collaboration-driven, high-trust network focused on shaping the future—together.
Where and when does the conference take place?
It's held every year at the end of January/beginning of February in Cape Town, South Africa. Exact dates vary, so check counder.com/conference for the latest schedule.
Why is the conference held in Cape Town?
Cape Town's unique position as an emerging city of the future driven by its blend of innovation, natural beauty, and cultural richness makes it the perfect base for Counder and our conference—inspiring creativity and connection.
What can attendees expect at the conference?
Participants immerse themselves in dynamic discussions, forge high-level connections, and experience curated networking activities that spark collaboration.