641 Top startups in South Africa for January 2025

We rank Showmax, Cell C and Luno in South Africa along with 638 other startups based on an algorithm that scores startups based on total investment, employee count, and quarterly website traffic. South Africa ranks #52 globally and #1 in Southern Africa.

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Top Unicorn Startups in South Africa for 2025

Flow is the only unicorn in South Africa 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 South Africa 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

City Rank (Johannesburg)

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SB Score:685

Cell C Limited is a South African mobile operator focused on digital inclusion. As a Level 2 BBBEE company, they prioritize customer satisfaction and aim to improve lives through technology.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Apps

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3rd

Luno
SB Score:625

Luno makes it safe and easy to buy, store and learn about cryptocurrencies in South Africa.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Technology

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4th

Yoco
SB Score:611

Yoco empowers 100,000 small businesses in South Africa to accept payments seamlessly in-store, online, and on-the-go.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Fintech-Other

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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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SB Score:573

Peach Payments simplifies online and mobile payment acceptance in emerging markets like South Africa. Offering various payment methods, including mobile and electronic wallets, bank transfers, and cards, Peach Payments provides PCI compliant website integration, iOS and Android SDKs, fraud prevention, and flexible API options for merchants.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

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SB Score:551

Stitch is an API infrastructure company. We enable simple, easy access to user financial accounts. Our mission is to make it easier for businesses across Africa to build, optimise and scale financial solutions.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

City Rank (Cape Town)

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10th

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:538

Carry1st creates engaging social games and interactive digital commerce apps for the African market, providing a unique and entertaining experience for users.

Industry:
Social & Leisure
Subindustry:
Entertainment

City Rank (Cape Town)

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

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Total amount:641

Top 207 Software & Data Startups in South Africa for 2025

The top three Software & Data startups in South Africa have raised more than USD 456M. South Africa ranks #54 globally for the Software & Data industry.
SB Score:685

Cell C Limited is a South African mobile operator focused on digital inclusion. As a Level 2 BBBEE company, they prioritize customer satisfaction and aim to improve lives through technology.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Apps

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SB Score:479

OfferZen connects tech professionals with top South African companies, providing multiple job offers for candidates to choose from. Join the platform to streamline your job search and find the perfect opportunity in the tech industry.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

City Rank (Cape Town)

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SB Score:460

Ikeja offers custom wireless internet solutions for seamless connectivity at any location. Providing fast and reliable internet access, Ikeja's services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each customer. Say goodbye to connectivity issues with Ikeja's innovative solutions.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

City Rank (Tembisa)

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Total amount:207

Top 109 Fintech Startups in South Africa for 2025

The top three Fintech startups in South Africa have raised more than USD 548M. South Africa ranks #42 globally for the Fintech industry.

1st

Luno
SB Score:625

Luno makes it safe and easy to buy, store and learn about cryptocurrencies in South Africa.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Technology

City Rank (Cape Town)

0

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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2nd

Yoco
SB Score:611

Yoco empowers 100,000 small businesses in South Africa to accept payments seamlessly in-store, online, and on-the-go.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Fintech-Other

City Rank (Cape Town)

0

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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0

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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

City Rank (Johannesburg)

0

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Total amount:109

Top 62 Edtech Startups in South Africa for 2025

The top three Edtech startups in South Africa have raised more than USD 32.1M. South Africa ranks #37 globally for the Edtech industry.
SB Score:435

Introducing an online coding bootcamp offering hands-on projects and personalized mentorship to help aspiring developers launch successful careers in tech. Master web development, data science, and more with our flexible, immersive programs. Join us and unlock your potential in the fast-growing tech industry.

Industry:
Edtech
Subindustry:
Edtech

City Rank (Cape Town)

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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

City Rank (Johannesburg)

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SB Score:387

Deimos specializes in Cloud Native Development and Security Operations. They offer innovative solutions for businesses looking to optimize their cloud infrastructure.

Industry:
Edtech
Subindustry:
Education-Other

City Rank (Cape Town)

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Total amount:62

Most Funded Startups in South Africa for 2025

The top three most funded startups in South Africa have raised total funding of more than USD 894M. Cell C has 0.27% more funding than TymeBank.
SB Score:685

Cell C Limited is a South African mobile operator focused on digital inclusion. As a Level 2 BBBEE company, they prioritize customer satisfaction and aim to improve lives through technology.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Apps

City Rank (Sandton)

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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

City Rank (Johannesburg)

0

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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3rd

Yoco
SB Score:611

Yoco empowers 100,000 small businesses in South Africa to accept payments seamlessly in-store, online, and on-the-go.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Fintech-Other

City Rank (Cape Town)

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

0

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Total amount:641

Top Hiring Startups in South Africa by Employee Number

The top three hiring startups in South Africa have an median employee size that is between [1001-5000]
SB Score:272

Naspers operates global platforms in internet services (ecommerce, classifieds, online retail), pay television, and print media. Their services include online shopping, TV subscriptions, and digital news.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Comtech

City Rank (Cape Town)

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Regional Rank (Southern Africa)

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SB Score:685

Cell C Limited is a South African mobile operator focused on digital inclusion. As a Level 2 BBBEE company, they prioritize customer satisfaction and aim to improve lives through technology.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Apps

City Rank (Sandton)

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0

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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

City Rank (Johannesburg)

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SB Score:241

Promasidor offers top-quality food products in Africa, including milk powders, culinary items, beverages, and cereals. Affordable, delicious, and nutritious, our products are the perfect choice for consumers across the region.

Industry:
Foodtech
Subindustry:
Food Manufacturing

City Rank (Sandton)

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Total amount:641

Explore the Startup Ecosystem of South Africa

Population

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60.4 Million

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Regional Rank

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1st

0

Global Rank

(WorldWide)

52nd

1

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