In 2008, together with two strangers, I started WooThemes – the company that birthed WooCommerce and took us on a rocket ride to an acquisition. In 2017, I left my operational role at Automattic after helping guide WooCommerce into its new home.
Since then I’ve been diversifying a little further afield from WordPress – exploring new technologies, communities and curiosities, and investing in a handful of inspiring, predominantly South African startups. Learning how to advise well, and sitting on a few governance boards.
My startup investments
Active
Founded by engineers with a passion for security. Securing homes & businesses with a device that connects your alarm system to your CCTV cameras.
Sold · GoDaddy · 2020
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.
Sold · Coaxle · 2021
Castle One brings together talent and resources to build a more connected experience for people and businesses in the real estate space.
Sold · Smollan · 2024
A team passionate about grocery shopping with a mission of making quality food more easily accessible to South Africa’s townships.
Retired · 2022
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.
Retired · 2017
NicheStreem built a technology that enables it to provide unique, curated music streams for specific markets around the globe. It looks set to make waves in the global online music industry, one niche community at a time.
My investment philosophy
the non-negotiables
01
Understand the model and relate to the mission.
There must be ample opportunity to leverage my learnings and networks. To provide practical support to achieve a mission I believe in.
02
Driven by smart, hard working doers.
I like to work with experienced and complementary co-founders who have the ability to elegantly seesaw between strategy and execution.
03
Making a positive impact in South Africa.
A self-imposed obligation to try invest into the local SMB space. To rally against socio-economic problems and help birth meaningful businesses.