Stephan Ekbergh is a Swedish entrepreneur celebrated for his transformative contributions to the online travel industry. As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Travelstart, he has built Africa’s leading online travel agency, with operations spanning 15 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.

A natural entrepreneur and innovator, Stephan’s journey began in the travel sector in 1997 when he launched Mr. Jet, Northern Europe’s first transactional online travel platform. In 1999, he founded Travelstart, which quickly gained international success. In 2006, he introduced Travelstart South Africa, the country’s first online travel agency and now a market leader. After selling Travelstart’s European division in 2010, Stephan turned his focus to expanding the brand across Africa, fostering travel e-commerce in emerging markets.

Beyond business, Stephan has been a driving force behind innovation and entrepreneurship in South Africa. As Chairperson of Innovation City Cape Town, he champions initiatives that position the region as a hub for tech, innovation, and creative industries.

Stephan’s visionary leadership is matched by his personal passions. A former professional DJ, he continues to channel his creativity into developing solutions that simplify and enhance the travel experience. Since 2004, Stephan and his wife have called Cape Town home, contributing to the city’s vibrant business and cultural landscape.