07 Oct A Season of Connection: Innovation City’s Community in Full Bloom

“What’s your naughty drink of choice?”

It wasn’t your typical networking question, but that’s exactly the point. At Innovation City’s recent member gathering Spring Fling, introductions began not with company names or job titles, but with something far more human – and fun!

From G&T loyalists to espresso martini enthusiasts (and one unapologetic red wine devotee), laughter filled the room. It was lighthearted, a little mischievous, and completely on brand for Innovation City. Because here, business conversations rarely start with business. They start with connection.

Who We Are: The Home of Intentional Connection

Innovation City exists to do one thing exceptionally well: bring the right people together. As Co-Founder stephan ekbergh often says: Innovation City is “the Studio 54 of business,” a place where energy, ideas, and opportunity collide.

We’re not just a working space. We’re a community built for collaboration. A network of founders, investors, corporates, and creators who believe that innovation is accelerated by shared energy, ideas, and intent.

Growing Together: Our Expanding Community in 2025

2025 has been a landmark year for Innovation City. We’ve seen our membership base grow stronger and more diverse than ever, welcoming companies across fintech, AI, marketing, sustainability, proptech, traveltech, and creative industries.

A total of 18 new companies joined in 2025, expanding our ecosystem to 62 unique member companies and 289 individual members; a clear sign that the appetite for collaboration, connection, and innovation in Cape Town is stronger than ever.

The result? A membership that’s not only larger, but richer in diversity, expertise, and impact.

Among this year’s new arrivals are companies pushing boundaries in data science, payments, automation, and creative storytelling; proof that Cape Town’s innovation heartbeat continues to strengthen through the power of connection.

Why Membership Matters

Joining Innovation City isn’t about finding a desk or a logo on a wall. It’s about joining a circle that gets things done.

• Connection that counts: Meet people who move at your pace and think beyond your sector.
• Visibility that matters: Share your story through our platforms, events, and community spotlights.
• Growth that accelerates: Gain access to thought leaders, ecosystem partners, and investor networks.
• Belonging that builds: Become part of something bigger; a culture of collaboration that fuels Cape Town’s innovation momentum.

Whether you’re a startup scaling your next big thing or a corporate exploring new ways to partner, membership gives you a front-row seat to the future of business.

Why We Gather

From Digital Divas to Business Speed Dating, from Founder Connect to evenings like the Spring Fling, our events are designed with purpose: to spark genuine connections that translate into opportunities.

These moments; the laughter, the spontaneous conversations, the ideas shared over a glass, are how we build momentum. Because at Innovation City, connection isn’t a by-product. It’s the business model.

Looking Ahead

As the year unfolds, Innovation City remains committed to growing a network where innovation thrives not in isolation, but in community.

To our members, thank you for your energy and collaboration. And to those still considering joining us; the invitation stands. Come find your people, your partners, and maybe even your naughty drink of choice.

👉 Learn more about becoming a member at innovationcity.co.za.