Jan 29th & 30th 2025, Cape Town

Counder
Conference

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Host Partner Carlsquare Logo
Quoin Rock Estate
Theme 2025:

Trusted Connections
in Cape Town.

Investing in Africa &
Around the Globe.

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The Why

Why Counder Conference?
Because real change happens face to face.
Even in a digital era, transformative investment still happens based on personal connections. Counder Conference is where the potential of regionally & sectorally emerging markets interfaces directly with global capital.

Here, in Cape Town's world-class setting, we're facilitating a crucial shift in the perception of new investment opportunities. This is about actionable investment & funding opportunities across key regional & global growth sectors.

Join global family offices, institutional investors and regional & sector experts in a stunning environment over two days to dig deep into investment sectors & opportunities.

As of our 2025 theme, at this year’s conference we will focus on the continent of Africa as an investment destination - while looking beyond in our global technology deep dive.

People cheering

The Who

Counder Conference 2025 brings together some of the boldest thinkers in African investment. Our attendees and partners will be the active drivers of the continent's economic evolution:

  • Investors with keen instincts for emerging markets
  • Family offices with the vision to look for new, sustainable opportunities
  • Industry insiders with decades of market success

This is where deals take shape and partnerships form. Join us to engage with Africa's most promising opportunities - and look beyond, in our global technology outlook.

People in conference room

Speakers & Experts

At Counder Conference, we feature investment veterans and business leaders who've cracked the code of success. These proven deal-makers have orchestrated exits, generated returns, and built thriving companies across the continent and beyond. Through focussed topical sessions and sector discussions, they'll share practical strategies honed from decades of on-the-ground experience in business, M&A, private equity, and venture capital.

2024 Selected Speakers (2025 to be announced soon)

  • Victoria Engelhorn

    Victoria Engelhorn

    Serial Entrepreneur | Cape Heritage, HABITUS, Zip Zap Cirucs & more
  • Hans Otterling

    Hans Otterling

    Co-Founding Partner | Norrsken22
  • Paula Mokwena

    Paula Mokwena

    CEO | Fireball Capital
  • Mark Miller

    Mark Miller

    Founding Partner | Carlsquare

Host Partner

The Tech Investment Bank for Global Minds

We're proud to showcase the 2025 edition of Counder Conference, with its focus on Africa's rapidly evolving economic landscape, alongside Carlsquare, a leading global tech investment bank that has closed over 600 transactions in the past 25 years. Our partnership commenced when we co-hosted last year’s Wine & Venture Summit and continues to grow, with Carlsquare becoming host partner for Counder Conference 2025. While the broader collaboration creates direct channels between emerging opportunities and international capital, in 2025, we're thrilled to offer attendees access to Carlsquare's cross-border M&A insights and investment strategies in technology & startups honed in the world's most competitive markets.

Carlsquare's role elevates Counder Conference in general and, based on the event’s 2025 theme, affirms Africa's growing prominence in global investment.

The Location

At Home in The Mother City

Envision thoughtful discussions unfolding in stylish venues with breathtaking views. Every element of Counder Conference is thoughtfully arranged to create an environment where ideas flourish and partnerships can form. From active hiking to elegant dining and an exquisite showcase. We’ve got you covered.

Group of people in the outside. Two people taking photos. People playing table soccer. A man and a woman at the bar. Display of delicious food.

Agenda

Full Agenda to be released soon
Wednesday, JAN 29th

Welcome Hike

Join us on an easy morning hike and get to know your fellow Counder Conference attendees in a relaxed atmosphere. Those who do not want to start so early can kickstart their conference experience at the brunch after.

Networking Brunch &
Round Table Discussions

Meet & discuss with experts, entrepreneurs and investors against the backdrop of the best views Cape Town has to offer. From sector- and geography-specific roundtables to general networking. From African hospitality to global tech. Connect, learn and explore.

Opening Ceremony

Official opening on the first day of the conference at a stunning location - with delicious food & wine and great company.

Thursday, JAN 30th

Africa Focus Sessions

Three deep-dive information sessions on key sectors on the continent led by Africa's top investors.

  • Consumer, Retail & Manufacturing
  • Real Estate, Hospitality & Tourism
  • Technology, Startups & VC

Global Focus Session

“Carlsquare Global Tech Tour”

Internationalizing the scope of the previously Africa-focused technology session, this session will go in-depth on the topic of international technology investment developments and deals. Curated and presented by Carlsquare, the global M&A firm.

Networking & Closing Soiree

After the topical sessions, attendees will have the chance to connect with the speakers & sector experts - and then transition into the evening closing programming with music, snacks, drinks and a few surprises.

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Our Partners

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and sponsors, whose support has been crucial in bringing Counder Conference to you. Their enthusiasm for helping the ecosystem expand, whether it's on the world stage or within our local regions, is extraordinary and really makes a difference.

Previous Partners include:

Get in touch

Do you have questions about the conference, would you like to become a sponsoring partner or want to find out more about what we do? We are here to help. Our conference team is looking forward to receiving your message and will be in touch.