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The Conference for Visionary Leaders

Counder Conference is the gathering of visionary leaders to explore tomorrow’s most important opportunities together.

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27–29 January 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
27–29 January 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
People outside at Counder Conference

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.

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People outside at Counder Conference
500+ Investors Be Part of Counder
People outside at Counder Conference
1 Target Collaborating on tomorrow's most important opportunities Be Part of Counder

The Why

Two people shaking hands

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

People having a talk

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:

  • Forward-Looking Mindset
  • Significant Capital or Impact
  • Proven Excellence and Vision
  • Impact-Driven Attitude
  • Community-Centric Philosophy
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Visionary Leaders at Counder Conference 2025

Michael Jordaan

Michael Jordaan

Founder & CEO, Montegray Capital | Venture Capitalist

Kuseni Dlamini

Kuseni Dlamini

Chairman, Massmart Holdings & Aspen Pharmaceuticals

Tanja Werheit

Tanja Werheit

Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Cape Town

Aguil Deng

Aguil Deng

Corporate Philanthropy Africa, Bloomberg

Ryan Rockefeller

Ryan Rockefeller

CEO & Co-Founder, Rising Tide Energy | Private Investor

Melvyn Lubega

Melvyn Lubega

Partner, Breega | Technology Entrepreneur & Investor

Karl Westvig

Karl Westvig

CEO, TymeBank | Private Investor

Tom Boardman

Tom Boardman

Investor | Non-Executive Director, African Rainbow Capital & TymeBank

Shola Akinlade

Shola Akinlade

Co-Founder & CEO, Paystack | Private Investor

Sherine Kabesh

Sherine Kabesh

Co-Founder, Flash | Private Investor

Fedor Holz

Fedor Holz

EPT & WPT Champion | Private Investor

Raphael Strauch

Raphael Strauch

Founder, Token2049 | Technology Investor

Christoph Zoeller

Christoph Zoeller

CEO, Instaffo | Private Investor

Caroline Greyling

Caroline Greyling

Museum Director, Norval Foundation

Claudia Zeisberger

Claudia Zeisberger

Professor of Entrepreneurship & Family Enterprise, INSEAD

2026 Verticals & Topics

AI's Global Inflection Point
Artificial Intelligence AI's Global Inflection Point
Artificial Intelligence AI'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.

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Emerging Regions, Rising Influence
Emerging Markets Emerging Regions, Rising Influence
Emerging Markets Emerging Regions, Rising Influence

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.

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Security as a Global Imperative
Cybersecurity Security as a Global Imperative
Cybersecurity Security as a Global Imperative

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.

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Powering the World, Sustainably
Energy Powering the World, Sustainably
Energy Powering the World, Sustainably

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.

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Finance Without Borders
Crypto Finance Without Borders
Crypto Finance Without Borders

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.

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Redefining the Human Lifespan
Logevity & Health Redefining the Human Lifespan
Logevity & Health Redefining the Human Lifespan

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.

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The Rise of Individual Capital
New Media The Rise of Individual Capital
New Media The Rise of Individual Capital

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.

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Cities of Tomorrow
Urbanisation Cities of Tomorrow
Urbanisation Cities of Tomorrow

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.

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Investing in the Planet
Climate & Nature Investing in the Planet
Climate & Nature Investing in the Planet

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.

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Backing the Bold Beyond Borders
Venture Capital Backing the Bold Beyond Borders
Venture Capital Backing the Bold Beyond Borders

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.

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From Cairo to the Cape
Hospitality & Tourism From Cairo to the Cape
Hospitality & Tourism From Cairo to the Cape

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.

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Leaders
The Next Generation of Leaders
The Next Generation of Leaders

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.

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The Business of Play
Sports & New Leagues The Business of Play
Sports & New Leagues The Business of Play

Sport is being disrupted by tech, media, and capital. Counder highlights where new leagues, athlete investors, and immersive fan experiences are creating investable edge.

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Soon…
Coming Soon…
Coming Soon…

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.

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Selected Partners 2025

  • carlsquare logo
  • cnbc-africa logo
  • norrsken logo
  • ringier logo
  • schauenburg logo

Be Part of Counder Conference

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.

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Artistic t-shirts

Beyond Words: The Atmosphere in Pictures

Refreshments at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People at a lecture
People at a lecture
Plate with delicious Food at Counder Conference
Inside view of Counder Conference
People shaking hands at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference

FAQs

What is Counder Conference?

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 attend but 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.

Where can attendees stay during the conference?


Recommended Hotels

Alphen Boutique Hotel & SpaConstantia5 stars
Camps Bay RetreatCamps Bay5 stars
Dorp HotelBo-Kaap4 stars
Ellerman HouseBantry Bay5 stars
Home Suite HotelsSeveral Locations-
Mount NelsonGardens CBD5 stars
O on Kloof Boutique Hotel & SpaCBD4 stars
O'Two Boutique HotelMouille Point4 stars
Protea Fire & IceCBD4 stars
Radisson RED Cape Town V&A WaterfrontWaterfront4 stars
Steenberg Hotel & SPATokai5 stars
The Winchester MansionsSea Point4 stars
Vinyard HotelConstantia4 stars

Connect. Engage. Shape.

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Video of Counder Conferernce 2025

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