11 Jun Are You Ready for the Ultimate Battle of the Networks?

Posted at 11:13h in IC Events by

Just kidding… It’s not a battle; it’s a coming together of the best in South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. At Innovation City, we believe in building communities that collaborate and grow together. That’s why we’re bringing together the top networks in the country for The Network Effect; a one-night-only event where you can hear directly from the leaders behind some of South Africa’s most influential founder networks. This is your chance to understand what really works when it comes to scaling your business through the right community.

South Africa’s startup ecosystem is thriving, but for many founders, figuring out where they belong in this rapidly growing space can be tough. With so many accelerators, incubators, angel groups, and networks out there, it can feel overwhelming. Which one will truly help you grow? Which one aligns best with your stage, your industry, and your specific needs? That’s where The Network Effect comes in.

This event is your chance to hear from the founders and leaders of networks that are truly shaping the landscape. And no, we’re not talking about fluffy headlines or fancy pitches, we’re talking about the real nitty-gritty of what these networks offer, how they’ve evolved, and who they’re best suited for.

The Networks That Are Paving the Way

The Entrepreneurs’​ Organization is one of the most established and influential networks in the world, with a deep impact in South Africa. Founded in 1987, EO is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs through peer-to-peer learning and mentorship. The EO Cape Town chapter, led by Gaynor MacArthur, brings together over 100 local members from diverse industries who share a common goal: to scale their businesses globally. EO is not just about networking, it’s about creating meaningful relationships that help entrepreneurs grow personally and professionally.

The Founder Collab, founded by Renier Kriel, is a newer player in South Africa’s network ecosystem, but it’s already making waves. Launched in 2020, The Founder Collab connects founders across industries to share knowledge, strategies, and support. With a growing community of over 500 members, this network stands out for its practical, no-nonsense approach to startup growth. Renier, known for his sharp insights in The Open Letter, has created a space where founders can have honest conversations about what works and what doesn’t. It’s a space built for entrepreneurs who need actionable advice, not fluff.

Then there’s OPUS, a global network that has made a significant impact in South Africa thanks to the efforts of Jono More. OPUS was officially launched in 2018 and aims to connect local entrepreneurs with a global community of business leaders and innovators. OPUS focuses on building strong relationships and providing the tools entrepreneurs need to scale internationally. With over 2,000 members globally, OPUS is rapidly growing in South Africa, creating valuable connections between startups and potential investors across borders. Jono’s work is rooted in the belief that meaningful connections are the key to unlocking growth, and OPUS is a testament to that.

Heavy Chef (Pty) Ltd, founded by Fred Roed, is another key player in South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This learning community, founded in 2013, serves as a hub for entrepreneurs to gain the knowledge and skills they need to grow their businesses. Heavy Chef provides a variety of resources, from video content to live events, and focuses heavily on building a community of entrepreneurs who are committed to learning and evolving. With thousands of members across the country, Heavy Chef’s mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the tools to create impact. Fred’s experience as a founder and his commitment to educating the next generation of entrepreneurs is a driving force behind Heavy Chef’s success.

Finally, there’s The Lekker Network, co-founded by Nic Latouf, which is focused on celebrating and empowering South African brands. Launched in 2020, The Lekker Network has rapidly grown to become a go-to community for local entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses internationally. With a membership base of over 500, the network connects brands with the resources and support they need to expand into global markets. Nic’s expertise in digital storytelling and e-commerce has allowed The Lekker Network to create a space where South African brands can thrive on the world stage.

Come Meet Them All in One Place!

Whether you’re a founder looking for the right network to join or an investor curious about the latest trends in South Africa’s startup scene, The Network Effect is your opportunity to learn directly from the experts. Each of the networks featured on stage has a unique value proposition – from the deep mentorship of EO, to the global connections of OPUS, to the educational resources offered by Heavy Chef.

This is not just another event where you’ll hear about what these networks claim to do. This is your chance to hear from the people who are living and breathing the challenges of building these communities. Get ready for an honest, no-fluff conversation about how these networks actually help entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

Join us on Thursday, 19 June, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Innovation City Cape Town. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re in the right network, or if you’re simply looking to find one that’s the best fit for your journey, this event is for you!

~ Kieno