Seven South African startups have been chosen for the Grindstone | E Squared Programme, a founder-focused initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of Allan Gray Fellows and Pathways Investees. The programme, a collaboration between Grindstone and E Squared, provides hands-on support for high-potential entrepreneurs. This latest cohort highlights South Africa’s dynamic innovation pipeline across multiple industries.
Grindstone’s Growth Journey
Founded in 2013, Grindstone is jointly owned by Knife Capital and Thinkroom Limited. It has become known for scaling high-growth, innovation-driven companies through tailored interventions. By partnering with organisations such as E Squared, it extends its impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.
Launch of the Programme
The Grindstone | E Squared Programme officially began in July with a networking event at the JoziGin Bar in Johannesburg. Founders, programme partners, and the E Squared team gathered to connect and exchange ideas. The session set the stage for collaboration and growth-focused engagement.
The Selected Startups
The cohort represents a diverse mix of sectors, from software and ed-tech to logistics and food. Participants include African Saga, Muna Studios, Glo’s Cookies, and Genius UP, each bringing unique solutions to market. They are joined by Docotela Health, SUTA National Logistics, and Fleetfund, broadening the scope of innovation in the programme.
Programme Benefits
The startups will progress through curated workshops, interventions, and baseline assessments to measure and drive growth. Through the Grindstone Academy, founders gain access to digital learning resources, practical coaching, and branding support. The programme also provides investor-ready data rooms and opportunities to connect with clients and partners.
Leadership Perspective
Catherine Young, Managing Partner at Grindstone, emphasised that the programme focuses on real-world tools and connections to help founders scale sustainably. She noted that the partnership with E Squared reflects a shared mission to back entrepreneurs with purpose and ambition. Young described the current cohort as one to watch in South Africa’s startup ecosystem.
The Grindstone | E Squared Programme underscores the value of targeted, founder-focused support in driving entrepreneurial success. By combining structured learning with market access, the initiative equips startups to navigate growth challenges effectively. This latest cohort is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s innovation landscape.