In 2017, I left my operational leadership role at Automattic, after helping guide WooCommerce into it’s new home. It was a rollercoaster of emotion.
Since then I’ve enjoyed a re-defining season – focussing on family adventure, whilst attempting to diversify my professional identity a little further afield from WordPress. Immersing myself in new technologies, sectors, communities & curiosities. Meeting an array of smart, passionate entrepreneurs.
Thanks to these experiences I’ve made a handful of investments in some inspiring, impactful and predominantly 🇿🇦 Cape Town based startups.
Updated: September 2021
Backstory
In 2008, together with 2 strangers, I started a WordPress theming company called WooThemes. A few years later the company birthed WooCommerce. An ecommerce plugin that took us on a rocket ride and culminated in an acquisition.
My startup investments
Founded by engineers with a passion for security. Securing homes & businesses with a device that connects your alarm system to your CCTV cameras. (Invested in 2016)
A company that breathes creativity. On a mission to equip anyone and everyone with the tools, confidence, and knowledge to build a business, grow a brand, or stand out in an increasingly crowded world. (Invested in 2016)
Sold to GoDaddy (2020)
NicheStreem built a technology that enables it to provide unique, curated music streams for specific markets around the globe and looks set to make waves in the global online music industry, one niche community at a time. (Invested in 2016)
Retired after a valiant effort (2017)
JONGA is the only community-based security system, providing affordable & effective protection for you and your home by empowering low-income communities to work together. (Invested in 2018)
Castle One brings together talent and resources to build a more connected experience for people and businesses in the real estate space. (Invested in 2018)
A team passionate about grocery shopping with a mission of making quality food more easily accessible to South Africa’s townships. (Invested in 2019)
My investment philosophy
Understand the model and relate to the mission.
Sentian catching a criminal (at our house).
There must be ample opportunity to leverage my learnings and networks to provide practical support to achieve a mission I believe in.
Driven by smart, hard working, passionate people.
Showcasing the Jonga device in Khayelitsha.
I like to work with experienced and complementary co-founders who have the ability to elegantly seesaw between strategy and execution.
Making a positive impact in South Africa.
Yebo Fresh food deliveries in Cape Town.
A self-imposed obligation to try invest into the local SMB space, to rally against socio-economic problems and help birth meaningful businesses.