217 Top startups in Johannesburg for April 2025

We rank Showmax, Liquid Telecom and Ozow formerly known as i-Pay in Johannesburg along with 214 other startups based on an algorithm that scores startups based on total investment, employee count, and quarterly website traffic. Johannesburg startup ecosystem ranks #139 globally and #2 in South Africa.

Powered by:

Category

Startups

Unicorns

Exits

Coworking Spaces

Accelerators

Best Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

SB Score:670

Showmax offers internet TV services, featuring a diverse selection of web series, children's programming, and live sports. With user-friendly app support for smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, media players, and gaming consoles, Showmax ensures an engaging viewing experience across multiple devices.

Industry:
Social & Leisure
Subindustry:
Entertainment

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:600

Liquid Telecom is a leading provider of data, voice, and IP services in Africa, dedicated to advancing the continent's digital transformation.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Software

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

I-Pay is a secure instant EFT payment service in South Africa, enabling customers to make online payments directly into your bank account. Simplify transactions with ease and peace of mind.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:558

TymeBank, a South African investment company, is 100% black-owned and operated. Offering innovative financial solutions, TymeBank empowers customers with fully digital banking services.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Online Banking

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:517

A South African insurtech startup offering innovative insurance solutions to customers. Their platform provides easy access to personalized policies and claims processing, simplifying the insurance experience for users.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

6th

VALR
SB Score:514

VALR.com is a digital asset trading platform where you can buy, sell, store and transfer cryptocurrencies seamlessly and securely. We offer one of the widest selections of digital assets. We‘re helping to build a financial system that recognises the oneness of humanity.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Blockchain

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:481

Pineapple simplifies insurance for users by letting them snap pictures of their belongings on their phones to receive quotes and coverage. Get insured easily and comprehensively with Pineapple's innovative mobile platform.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Insurance

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:454

Howler provides event organisers with a robust tech platform to streamline event planning, promotion, and management, ensuring flawless guest experiences. Create unforgettable moments with Howler's seamless solution for all your event needs.

Industry:
Marketing & Sales
Subindustry:
Events

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:453

Rentoza is a subscription-based online store that makes electronics and appliances accessible and affordable. It provides users with an innovative alternative to traditional purchasing methods, ensuring that critical technology remains within reach, even when conventional options are unavailable.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Ecommerce & Retail-Other

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:447

Bayport Management Limited and its subsidiaries offer retail financial services in Mauritius and globally. Specializing in providing accessible financial solutions, they cater to a wide range of clients.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:420

Enko Education is a network of international secondary schools across Africa, providing students with a pathway to top global universities. Join us for a launchpad to success and unlock endless opportunities for a brighter future.

Industry:
Edtech
Subindustry:
Education-Other

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

Total amount:217

Top 45 Fintech Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

The top three Fintech startups in Johannesburg have raised more than USD 1.01B. Johannesburg startup ecosystem ranks #75 globally for the Fintech industry.

I-Pay is a secure instant EFT payment service in South Africa, enabling customers to make online payments directly into your bank account. Simplify transactions with ease and peace of mind.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:558

TymeBank, a South African investment company, is 100% black-owned and operated. Offering innovative financial solutions, TymeBank empowers customers with fully digital banking services.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Online Banking

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:517

A South African insurtech startup offering innovative insurance solutions to customers. Their platform provides easy access to personalized policies and claims processing, simplifying the insurance experience for users.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

Total amount:45

Top 75 Software & Data Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

The top three Software & Data startups in Johannesburg have raised more than USD 2B. Johannesburg startup ecosystem ranks #135 globally for the Software & Data industry.
SB Score:600

Liquid Telecom is a leading provider of data, voice, and IP services in Africa, dedicated to advancing the continent's digital transformation.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Software

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:409

Sendmarc provides advanced email protection against phishing attacks and impersonation. Safeguard your emails with cutting-edge technology, ensuring a secure communication environment for your business. Trust Sendmarc to keep your organization safe from cyber threats.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:345

Kalido connects talented professionals with great clients, regardless of location or background. Find the perfect match for your skills and needs. Join Kalido today and unlock new opportunities for success.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

Total amount:75

Top 17 Ecommerce & Retail Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

The top three Ecommerce & Retail startups in Johannesburg have raised more than USD 20.7M. Johannesburg startup ecosystem ranks #134 globally for the Ecommerce & Retail industry.
SB Score:453

Rentoza is a subscription-based online store that makes electronics and appliances accessible and affordable. It provides users with an innovative alternative to traditional purchasing methods, ensuring that critical technology remains within reach, even when conventional options are unavailable.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Ecommerce & Retail-Other

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:318

Zulzi offers convenient same-day grocery delivery and pickup services for fresh groceries and everyday essentials. Enjoy hassle-free shopping with Zulzi's quick and reliable service, bringing your essentials right to your doorstep.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Ecommerce

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

3rd

Flow
SB Score:293

Flow is a platform that streamlines social media marketing for real estate professionals by automating the process. With Flow, estate agents and property developers can easily promote their listings and projects, saving time and maximizing their online presence.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Proptech

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

Total amount:17

Most Funded Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

The top three most funded startups in Johannesburg have raised total funding of more than USD 2.89B. Liquid Telecom has 1.66% more funding than TymeBank.
SB Score:600

Liquid Telecom is a leading provider of data, voice, and IP services in Africa, dedicated to advancing the continent's digital transformation.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Software

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:558

TymeBank, a South African investment company, is 100% black-owned and operated. Offering innovative financial solutions, TymeBank empowers customers with fully digital banking services.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Online Banking

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:670

Showmax offers internet TV services, featuring a diverse selection of web series, children's programming, and live sports. With user-friendly app support for smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, media players, and gaming consoles, Showmax ensures an engaging viewing experience across multiple devices.

Industry:
Social & Leisure
Subindustry:
Entertainment

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

Total amount:217

Top Hiring Startups in Johannesburg by Employee Number

The top three hiring startups in Johannesburg have an median employee size that is between [1001-5000]
SB Score:447

Bayport Management Limited and its subsidiaries offer retail financial services in Mauritius and globally. Specializing in providing accessible financial solutions, they cater to a wide range of clients.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:600

Liquid Telecom is a leading provider of data, voice, and IP services in Africa, dedicated to advancing the continent's digital transformation.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Software

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:196

Lesaka is a fintech company in Southern Africa providing banking and payment services to consumers and merchants. Our innovative technologies make financial transactions easy and seamless for everyone.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page
SB Score:670

Showmax offers internet TV services, featuring a diverse selection of web series, children's programming, and live sports. With user-friendly app support for smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, media players, and gaming consoles, Showmax ensures an engaging viewing experience across multiple devices.

Industry:
Social & Leisure
Subindustry:
Entertainment

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
View full page

Total amount:217

Explore the Startup Ecosystem of Johannesburg

National Rank

(undefined)

new

Regional Rank

(undefined)

2nd

0

Global Rank

(WorldWide)

139th

17

Visit

Top Cities for Startups in South Africa - Ranked by StartupBlink

StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of more than 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Pro
2024 National Rank CityGlobal RankTotal ScoreQuantity ScoreQuality ScoreBusiness Score
No Data Available
Microsoft Excel icon
Download CSV file
Pro