FAQs

Counder is a global collective of visionary leaders dedicated to exploring the future's most important opportunities. We're a top-tier network connecting global leaders and world-class organisations to collaborate on key trends—from investments in new technology ventures to new methods in philanthropy. In sectors, regions and markets that truly matter tomorrow.

Our mission is to connect visionary leaders to take bold, decisive action on tomorrow's most important opportunities—the trends shaping our world—together. We achieve this by creating a high-trust environment for collaboration, offering constant learning and sparking meaningful partnerships that turn ideas into real-world outcomes.

Our four pillars create a seamless ecosystem: events for in-person connection (Conference and Calendar), a digital service for ongoing engagement (Connect), insights (Context) to inform decisions and collective action to drive change. Whether it's a new venture, an established growth-project or a social cause, Counder makes collaboration happen.

Counder looks forward, not back. We focus on emerging regional and sectoral markets, delivering insights into opportunities others overlook (from AI to Crypto to LATAM & Africa). We call these tomorrow's most important opportunities.

Yes, Counder offers a comprehensive investment ecosystem through our members and partners, including venture capital, private equity, and M&A opportunities, with access to vetted deal flows and co-investment options. Our pillars and the conference in particular are designed to provide these opportunities seamlessly by connecting and matching individuals and or organisations.

Yes. Counder Connect is a user-friendly and effective digital service for deal-flow. It uses a double-opt-in introduction system to ensure meaningful connections. The platform integrates with WhatsApp and email, so no new tools or logins are needed. Members can easily build valuable relationships, with many reporting successful partnerships and collaborations through the service.

Yes. Trust and privacy are fundamental to Counder. We rigorously protect your personal data and maintain strict standards to ensure you only receive meaningful, relevant communications. Your information is never shared without your explicit consent, safeguarding you from spam and unwanted contact.

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 as our chosen host city for the 2026 edition of our flagship Conference.

Counder brings together a global community of visionary leaders shaping tomorrow’s most important opportunities.

In a world in flux and with strongly varying perspectives, Counder aims to be the all-year-round collective and yearly gathering place for those embracing open & frank dialogue and new, trusted connections to understand what is next.

This Codex built on core Counder values sets the tone for how visionary leaders from around the world gather, connect, and collaborate at our flagship Counder Conference 2026:

1. Trust

2. Shared Experiences

3. Curiosity

4. Innovation

5. Long-Term Relationships

6. Generosity of Contribution

7. Cross-Border Perspective

8. Action Over Rhetoric

The Spirit of Counder

Counder Conference is FREE to attend, but participation is strictly by invitation, referral, or initiative registration subject to review. Every attendee is carefully curated to ensure alignment with our mission and to uphold the integrity of our community. While there is no fee to attend, we invite those who wish to further support Counder to become Mission Partners (helping grow our network) or Equity Partners (investing in our long-term impact). This model removes financial barriers and reinforces our commitment to building a high-trust, collaboration-driven network focused on shaping the future together.

The 2026 edition of our flagship Conference will be held from 27-29 January in Cape Town, South Africa. For more information about what to expect at the Conference, please visit www.counder.com/conference.

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 host city for our flagship Conference — inspiring creativity and connection.

Participants immerse themselves in dynamic discussions, forge high-level connections, and experience curated networking activities that spark collaboration.

The conference venues are in different locations and easily reachable from various great Cape Town hotels.

Recommended Hotels

Counder is built on four core pillars: Conference, Calendar, Connect, and Context. These pillars work together to deliver a rich, year-round experience—combining immersive events, digital networking, exclusive insights, and room for collaboration.

Here's a closer look at how each pillar supports our community:

• Conference: Our annual flagship event in Cape Town gathers visionary leaders and world-class organisations to explore future trends, challenges and opportunities in an inspiring, natural setting. Counder Conference is where trusted connections are forged and grow into collaboration.
• Calendar: A curated schedule of events throughout the year, offering unique experiences—from intimate dinners to adventure-based gatherings—that keep the community engaged and inspired.
• Connect: A digital service that keeps the Counder network alive throughout the year, enabling ongoing collaboration, networking, and idea-sharing beyond physical events.
• Context: Exclusive reports and newsletters in collaoration with our members and partners that provide deep insights into emerging trends, helping you stay ahead in investment, philanthropy, and more.

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.

Mission Partners are Visionary Leaders that support and partner with Counder on our mission to connect visionary leaders, bridge new and established perspectives, and spark meaningful collaborations that explore tomorrow’s most important opportunities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

To fully engage with the experience:

• Partners & Speakers
  Arrive on Monday 26 January. Early programming and private briefings begin that afternoon.
• All Guests
  Arrive on Tuesday 27 January to participate in the Opening Reception.
• Departure
  Book outbound flights for Friday 30 January. The closing ceremony is Thursday evening.

January is high summer in Cape Town — please book flights and accommodation early for best availability and views.

• Airport to City
  Uber: Safe, reliable, and recommended.
  Private Transfers: Offered by most boutique hotels and luxury accommodations.
• Getting Around
  Uber is the norm. Cape Town is walkable in key areas: V&A Waterfront, Sea Point, Gardens. Avoid solo walking after dark.

World-class cuisine, coastal views, and design-forward spaces make dining a core part of the Cape Town experience.

• Fine Dining
  • FYN (City Centre) – Afro-Japanese fusion with skyline views.
  • La Colombe (Constantia) – Multi-course excellence in a treehouse-like setting.
  • The Test Kitchen Carbon (Woodstock) – Immersive tasting menus in a bold industrial space.
• Lunch / Dinner with Atmosphere
  • Chef’s Warehouse at Beau Constantia – Vineyard views, small plates, clean modern design.
  • Kloof Street House – Lush garden terrace, velvet-lined interiors, eclectic classics.
  • Mantra Café (Camps Bay) – Beach-facing casual elegance, great for sunset dining.
  • Saigon (Gardens) – Upscale Vietnamese cuisine with panoramic city views.
  • Bouchon Bistro (CBD) – Intimate, refined, excellent local wine pairings.
• Coffee & Light Bites
  • Jarryds (Sea Point & CBD) – Artisanal café dining, famed for brunch and fresh juices.
  • Jason Bakery (Green Point & CBD) – Famous for pastries and breakfast buns.
  • Truth Coffee Roasting (CBD) – Globally acclaimed for its design and deep-roasted blends.
  • Harvest Café (Bo-Kaap) – Rooftop views, plant-forward menus, easygoing atmosphere.

• Close Access (in or near city centre)
  • Table Mountain Cableway – Arrive early to beat queues.
  • Zeitz MOCAA – Architecturally iconic, Africa’s leading contemporary art museum.
  • V&A Waterfront – Excellent for light shopping, quick bites, and sunset catamaran cruises.
• Optional Escapes
  • Lion’s Head sunrise hike – Panoramic ascent, ~45 min each way.
  • Camps Bay & Clifton Beaches – Cocktail bars, restaurants & lively atmosphere.
  • Constantia Valley – South Africa’s oldest wine route.
• Extended Day Trips
  • Cape Point Nature Reserve – Drive along Chapman’s Peak to a cliffside lookout.
  • Boulders Beach – Penguin colony in a protected cove.
  • Franschhoek – Historic wine village with art galleries and tram routes.
  • Kalk Bay & Muizenberg – Charming seaside towns, surfing, antiques, cafes.