206 Top startups in Johannesburg for January 2025

We rank Showmax, Ozow formerly known as i-Pay and TymeBank in Johannesburg along with 203 other startups based on an algorithm that scores startups based on total investment, employee count, and quarterly website traffic. Johannesburg ranks #139 globally and #2 in South Africa.

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Accelerators

Top Unicorn Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

Flow is the only unicorn in Johannesburg raising more than USD 1B. It is the undefined ranked unicorn in Southern Africa.

1st

Flow
SB Score:378

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

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Total amount:1

Best Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

SB Score:727

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

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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

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SB Score:593

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

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4th

VALR
SB Score:547

VALR.com is a leading digital asset trading platform offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies for seamless buying, selling, storing, and transferring. Join us in shaping a financial system that embraces global unity.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Cryptocurrency

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SB Score:511

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

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SB Score:508

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

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SB Score:495

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

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SB Score:486

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

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SB Score:434

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

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SB Score:423

Planet42 empowers individuals excluded by banks to easily obtain a personal vehicle through a car subscription service. By democratizing mobility, they provide access to those who have been overlooked, making transportation more accessible and convenient for all.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

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SB Score:414

Ukheshe Technologies is a global, digital-first enabler of financial services, dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion in South Africa. The company offers a digital platform tailored for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), empowering them with innovative tools to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

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Total amount:206

Top 46 Fintech Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

The top three Fintech startups in Johannesburg have raised more than USD 421M. Johannesburg 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)

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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SB Score:593

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

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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3rd

VALR
SB Score:547

VALR.com is a leading digital asset trading platform offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies for seamless buying, selling, storing, and transferring. Join us in shaping a financial system that embraces global unity.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Cryptocurrency

National Rank (South Africa)

0

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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Total amount:46

Top 70 Software & Data Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

The top three Software & Data startups in Johannesburg have raised more than USD 24M. Johannesburg ranks #135 globally for the Software & Data industry.

1st

AURA
SB Score:384

AURA is a South African cloud-based marketplace that connects users to vetted private security and medical response units in real-time. Available on connected devices, AURA ensures assistance is accessible anywhere, anytime, in South Africa, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

National Rank (South Africa)

0

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0

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SB Score:382

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

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0

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SB Score:379

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

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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0

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Total amount:70

Top 15 Ecommerce & Retail Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

The top three Ecommerce & Retail startups in Johannesburg have raised more than USD 12.7M. Johannesburg ranks #134 globally for the Ecommerce & Retail industry.
SB Score:495

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

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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SB Score:349

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

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0

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SB Score:245

Isizwe Advisory Services empowers communities to own and benefit from their own internet network, while helping companies effectively distribute uncapped WiFi through their CSI initiatives.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Ecommerce

National Rank (South Africa)

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Total amount:15

Most Funded Startups in Johannesburg for 2025

The top three most funded startups in Johannesburg have raised total funding of more than USD 547M. TymeBank has 0.81% more funding than Showmax.
SB Score:593

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
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SB Score:727

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

3rd

VALR
SB Score:547

VALR.com is a leading digital asset trading platform offering a wide range of cryptocurrencies for seamless buying, selling, storing, and transferring. Join us in shaping a financial system that embraces global unity.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Cryptocurrency

National Rank (South Africa)

0

View

Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
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Total amount:206

Top Hiring Startups in Johannesburg by Employee Number

The top three hiring startups in Johannesburg have an median employee size that is between [251-500]
SB Score:268

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

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:727

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

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:348

FlySafair is a leading low-cost carrier in South Africa, dedicated to providing high-value service to travelers. Trusted by the springboks, they offer affordable domestic flights without compromising on quality. FlySafair ensures a reliable and comfortable journey for all passengers.

Industry:
Transportation
Subindustry:
Aerospace

National Rank (South Africa)

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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SB Score:185

Luma Law is a chatbot service on Facebook Messenger that offers practical legal information and access to affordable legal assistance. Get the help you need for various legal processes quickly and conveniently with Luma Law.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

National Rank (South Africa)

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Total amount:206

Explore the Startup Ecosystem of Johannesburg

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2nd

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2nd

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Global Rank

(WorldWide)

139th

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Top Cities for Startups in South Africa - Ranked by StartupBlink
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