Seven local startups have been selected to participate in the Grindstone | E Squared Programme, a founder-focused, growth engineering initiative designed
Seven local startups have been selected to participate in the Grindstone | E Squared Programme, a founder-focused, growth engineering initiative designed to fast-track the success of high potential entrepreneurs from the Allan Gray Fellows and Pathways Investees networks.
The six-month programme, which kicked-off in July with an in-person networking event in Johannesburg, is run by Grindstone, a company co-owned by Knife Capital and Thinkroom Limited, in partnership with E Squared Investments.
Focused on founder development and scalable growth, the programme offers participants access to business-building resources, including the Grindstone Academy digital platform, curated workshops, structured coaching, and investor-readiness support.
“This venture building programme is about equipping high-potential founders with real world tools, honest feedback, and access to the right people to help them scale smartly,” said Catherine Young, Managing Partner at Grindstone. “We’re proud to partner with E Squared to back entrepreneurs who are purpose-driven and ready to go the distance. This cohort is one to watch.”
Selected South African Startups: Sectors and Solutions
The seven selected startups span a wide range of sectors, from edtech and e-health to logistics and food innovation. Participants will benefit from a combination of strategic guidance, personalised coaching, investor-ready data room development and brand-building support. As the programme progresses, founders will also gain access to aligned clients, partners and investors through facilitated market introductions.
The Selected startups are:
African Saga – A proudly African comic and anime series hosted on Webtoon.
Muna Studios – A platform enabling zero-waste shopping experiences.
Glo’s Cookies – A local artisanal cookie brand offering luxury handmade products.
Genius UP – An interactive edtech platform focused on exam preparation.
Docotela Health – A premium, affordable telehealth platform improving access to healthcare.
SUTA National Logistics – A tech-powered logistics company specialising in moving and delivery.
Fleetfund – A digital platform that finances and scales logistics assets with speed and flexibility.
What Is Grindstone? Inside the Startup Growth Engineer
Established in 2013, Grindstone positions itself as global growth engineer, offering a structured and supportive environment for early-stage businesses to thrive. What sets Grindstone apart is its data-driven and hands-on, long-term approach to growth measurement and business fundamentals.
The company’s investment pillars are:
Post-seed investments for companies with a strong growth trajectory
Innovation-led technologies in various sectors
Co-investments where applicable
Funding support to scaleups to seed exponential growth and follow-on rounds
Startups that have gone through Grindstone programmes have achieved, on average, a 51% increase in annual revenue. The company’s success is reflected in its broader impact:
R2.1 billion in funding raised by portfolio companies
R527 million in cumulative revenue growth
Startup portfolio covering 16 industries
Over 320 jobs created
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 68%
The company’s portfolio includes both tech-enabled innovations and forward-thinking small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Notable alumni from previous cohorts include:
Matter Industries - A smart infrastructure technology company.
Agrilogiq - Specialises in world-class undercover farming systems and hardware.
Drive to Own - Offers alternative vehicle asset finance solutions.
Welo Health - Provides at-home healthcare services to patients.
Locumbase - An online platform that connects hospitals and medical services with qualified locum providers.
If you are interested in joining Grindstone Ventures, apply here.
A Platform for Purpose-Driven Founders
By partnering with E Squared Investments, which supports Allan Grey Fellows and Pathway Investees, the programme strengthens its commitments to inclusive entrepreneurship and scalable business models rooted in purpose.
This latest cohort reflects a generation of South African founders who are committed not just to profitability but to tackling real-world problems in innovative ways, whether that’s redefining access to healthcare, transforming last-mile logistics, or scaling sustainable consumer goods.
Lungile is the Digital Editor for Startup.Africa, with a knack for storytelling, technology and innovative ideas. Working with Startup.Africa, she takes simple ideas and turns them into amazing stories.
Lungile Msomi
