Counder
Conference
Trusted Connections
in Cape Town.
Investing in Africa &
Beyond.
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.
2025 Selected Speakers & Experts
-
Tom Boardman
Investor | Non-Executive Director, African Rainbow Capital & TymeBank -
Florian G. Schauenburg
CEO, Schauenburg International -
Michael Jordaan
Founder & CEO, Montegray Capital | Venture Capitalist -
Shola Akinlade
Co-Founder & CEO, Paystack | Private Investor -
Hans Otterling
Founding Partner, Norrsken22 -
Mark Miller
Founding Partner, Carlsquare -
Danladi Verheijen
Managing Partner, Verod Capital -
Tom Villinger
CEO, D11Z. Ventures -
Aguil Deng
Corporate Philanthropy Africa, Bloomberg -
Fedor Holz
EPT & WPT Champion | Private Investor -
Mandla Sibeko
Founder, ArtJoburg | Founder, Seed Capital VC -
Tanja Werheit
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Cape Town -
Sherine Kabesh
Co-Founder, Flash | Private Investor -
Nicholas Ackerman
Partner, Lionhead Capital Partners -
Leonard Stiegeler
Chairman, Counder | Private Investor -
Hywel George
Director of Investments, Old Mutual Investments -
Olumide Soyombo
CEO, Bluechip Technologies | Technology Entrepreneur & Investor -
Angelica Adamski
CEO, GrowTheFuture AB | Private Investor -
Axel Konjack
Member Exec Board, Ringier AG -
Raphael Strauch
Founder, Token2049 | Technology Investor -
James Boardman
Founder, Grey Heron Venture Partners -
Stephan (Thor) Stubner
Managing Partner, Monkfish Equity | Professor & Porsche AG Chair, HHL Leipzig -
Christoph Zoeller
CEO, Instaffo | Private Investor -
Kuseni Dlamini
Chairman, Massmart Holdings & Aspen Pharmaceuticals -
Anton van Vlaanderen
Partner, 4Di Capital -
Ido Sum
Partner, TLCom -
Bas Hochstenbach
President, Counder | Founding Partner, E4E -
Kola Aina
Founding Partner, Ventures Platform -
Rony Vogel
CEO, Vogel Family Office -
André Kanya
Founding Partner, w3.fund -
Zachariah George
Managing Partner, Launch Africa Ventures -
Louis Buys
Founder & CEO, The Delta -
Brian Odhiambo
Partner, Novastar Ventures -
Natalie Kolbe
Managing Partner, Norrsken22 -
Eric Idiahi
CEO, Evercorp Industries | PE Investor -
Kerry West Fynn
CEO, AlphaWealth -
Gregor Henrik Unger
Managing Partner, caesar. -
Margaret O’Connor
Investor & Board Director
Host Partner
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 CityEnvision 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.
The specific venues for each day are:
Arrival Day/Opening Reception
German Residence in Cape Town Bishopscourt
Endorsed by the German Government & German Consul to Cape Town, the conference will be kicked off at this private, exclusive venue in Bishopscourt, offering a refined environment for thought-provoking dialogue.
Main Conference Day
Norval Foundation, Tokai
The main panels and program will happen at the renowned Norval Foundation in Tokai, a cultural landmark celebrated for its contemporary African art and serene gardens. This elegant venue sets the tone for the conference, blending sophistication with inspiration.
Closing Day
The Lawns, Camps Bay
The final day will be hosted at The Lawns, a picturesque venue overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Camps Bay. This relaxed and scenic setting will be perfect for consolidating connections and reflecting on the conference insights. It will also be the base for interactive activities, like the conference hike, as well as the closing show.
Official Opening Reception
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM / A Grand Welcome
Official opening on the first day of the conference at a stunning location - with good wine & food and great company.
Arrival & Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Start the day right: with coffee and some delicious treats to fuel your day.
Official Welcome
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Africa Focus Sessions
10:15 AM - 12:30 PM / Deep-Dive on Africa
Three deep-dive information sessions on key sectors on the continent, led by Africa's top investors - at one of the most unique conference venues globally!
- Consumer, Food & Manufacturing
- Real Estate, Hospitality & Tourism
- Infrastructure, Energy & Mining
Round Table Lunch
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM / Converse in Depth
Enjoy lunch & engage with investment experts from many different sectors & geographies. From African hospitality & manufacturing to global technology trends: engage with your fellow attendees in a special lunch format.
Technology Focus Session
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM / Deep-Dive on Technology
As part of “Carlsquare Global Tech Tour”
Internationalizing the scope of the previously Africa-focused sessions, this session will go in-depth on the topic of cutting-edge international technology trends & investments - in Africa & beyond. Curated and presented in partnership between Counder & Carlsquare, the global investment bank.
Networking, Dinner & Art Soiree
4:00 PM - 12:00 AM / Inspire & Connect
After a day of programming, this part of the day will be all about connecting, exchanging - and being inspired by the special environment the event is being held in.
Hike, Relax, Eat
8:00 AM - 06:00 PM
After the main day of the conference, this day is dedicated to connecting with fellow attendees; deepening discussions in 1-on-1 meetings; optionally going on a hike together and enjoying good food & drinks - all based at an amazing private, outside venue overlooking the Atlantic Ocean very close to town.
Official Closing Show
6:00 PM - 12:00 AM / Celebrate New Connections
Official closing show of Counder Conference 2025 at a venue overlooking the ocean and sunset - with amazing music, canapes, drinks, and a few surprises.
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.
2025 Selected Partners:
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.
FAQs
Accommodation
Cape Town offers a variety of high-end and other hotel options. That being said, January is high season in Cape Town, so we recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible.
To help you, we have put together a list of top accommodation recommendations, located in the Atlantic Seaboard, CBD, and Constantia areas. All of these are great locations in general and are also close to all the Counder Conference venues. You can download this file here.
You can also conveniently find additional accommodation options on airbnb.com and booking.com.
Check-in & Pass Collection
You will be able to check in and collect your conference pass at the Official Opening Ceremony (Day 1) or the Conference Main Day (Day 2). Once you have collected your conference pass, please make sure to hold onto it throughout the duration of the conference in order to access all the events, as passes will not be re-issued.
Transportation & Getting to Conference Venues
Private drivers, Uber/Black, and Bolt/Premium are readily available throughout Cape Town and are convenient options for getting around. We encourage our guests to utilise the above options, as we highly recommend not driving yourself—there is limited parking available at all the venues, and there will be great South African wine on offer for our guests!
If you prefer the comfort of a shuttle during the days of the conference, we will also be organizing shuttles departing from Cape Town CBD to all the venues and back on all days of the event. All the conference venues are located approximately 20-25 minutes from the Cape Town CBD. Shuttle registrations and information will be sent closer to the time. Kindly note, only guests who reserved a spot on the shuttles will be able to use them.
Dress Code
Day 1 (Arrival Day): Semi-Formal
Day 2 (Main Day): Business-Casual. Considering the warm summer weather in Cape Town during January, we suggest dressing accordingly.
Day 3 (Closing Day - Morning): Optional morning activity—hiking with your fellow attendees: Activewear.
Day 3 (Closing Day - Day & Evening): Smart-Casual. Both the day activities and the Official Closing Show will be taking place outdoors, so we suggest dressing accordingly and wearing shoes suitable for walking on grass.
Who Can Attend?
Only approved registrants will be able to attend the conference. If you have not been approved, we will unfortunately not be able to accommodate you.
Am I Allowed a Plus One?
No plus ones are allowed. All guests must register, and registration is subject to approval.
What if My Registration Has Been Declined?
If your registration is declined, it means we're at capacity. You've been added to our waitlist, and if a spot opens up, our team will reach out to you.
What if I Can No Longer Attend?
If you can no longer join us, please go to your confirmation email and click on “event page” at the bottom of your email. On the page, you will find the “No longer able to attend? Notify the host by canceling your registration” section. Since spaces are limited, please notify us so we can allocate your spot to someone on the waitlist.
What is the Agenda for the 3 Days?
You can find the agenda on the Counder Conference website page. The agenda will be continually updated leading up to the conference.
How Can I Stay Updated on Any Last-Minute Changes or Announcements?
For any announcements or changes, we will contact you via the email address you used when registering.
If you have any other questions, please email us at conference@counder.com.