UCT GSB Entrepreneurship Conference 2025: Demystify Entrepreneurship

The University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) Entrepreneurship Club is proud to host its upcoming Conference, Demystifying Entrepreneurship. This event aims to inspire and empower entrepreneurs while fostering innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development across South Africa. With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, the conference will offer practical insights, real-life success stories, and opportunities for networking and mentorship to aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike.

When: Tuesday, 28 January 2025 09:15 - 16:00 (GMT+2)
Where:Nedbank Clock Tower, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Register for event More info

Event information

The Demystify Entrepreneurship Conference offers a dynamic day of insightful sessions focused on equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools and strategies to thrive in today’s challenging business environment.

The program will explore key topics such as:

  • Overcoming common startup challenges and navigating uncertainty.
  • Securing funding and building sustainable financial strategies.
  • Harnessing technology to drive business growth and innovation.
  • Developing strong personal and business branding to stand out in competitive markets.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions, interactive Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and actionable learning.

This conference is designed for entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey - whether you're launching your first venture or scaling an established business.

 

Speakers

Gary Graham

Chief Reinvention Officer at 3isgroup, Founder of FutureFit, and Chairman of the Netvalue Empowerment Trust
Gary Graham is a globally recognized thought leader and coach, specializing in helping executives, entrepreneurs, and management teams reinvent their leadership practices and business models to thrive amidst disruption and uncertainty. As the Chief Reinvention Officer at 3isgroup, Founder of FutureFit, and Chairman of the Netvalue Empowerment Trust, Gary collaborates with organizations across diverse sectors—energy, health, financial services, and more—turning unexpected challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth. An Associate Faculty Member at the Centre for Creative Leadership and a Strategy Thought Partner at Ashoka, Gary is renowned for his ability to ignite energy, innovation, and actionable strategies. His coaching credentials include being a Master Certified Coach (ICF) and a Certified Reinvention Practitioner (CRP). With a deep commitment to aligning people and organizations for success, Gary facilitates organizational effectiveness programs focused on leadership reinvention, innovation, and strategy. He has co-authored two books, including The Leadership Reboot: A Coach Approach to Aligning People for Success.

Antonio Bruni

Founder and CEO of Picup Logistics Technology Solutions
Antonio Bruni is a passionate entrepreneur and technology visionary, driven by the philosophy, "Start, Go Big." As the Founder and CEO of Picup Logistics Technology Solutions, Antonio is transforming the logistics industry through innovative, tech-driven solutions that redefine efficiency and scalability. With deep roots in the startup community, Antonio has built a career centered on mentoring and supporting emerging entrepreneurs, helping them turn their ideas into impactful realities. His dedication to innovation and meaningful change in the tech space has positioned him as a leader in the industry and an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Grant Rock

Founding partner of HAVAIC
Grant Rock is a founding partner of HAVAIC, a leading venture capital investment firm based in Cape Town. With nearly two decades of experience as a corporate transactional lawyer, solicitor, and executive, Grant has worked across South Africa, London, and New York on high-profile transactions spanning banking, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, capital markets, and private equity. Grant’s extensive expertise in structuring complex deals and identifying growth opportunities has positioned him as a trusted advisor in the venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Dave Betts

Former co-founder of EnergyDrive
Dave Betts is an accomplished entrepreneur, engineer, coach, and mentor with decades of experience building and growing ventures across diverse industries. A graduate in Electrical Engineering with a passion for Industrial Psychology, Dave has successfully founded, operated, and handed over multiple businesses and NGOs. As the former co-founder of EnergyDrive, a global leader in energy sustainability, Dave transitioned from business to focus on his true passion—mentoring and supporting leadership teams in their growth journey. His dedication to enriching the lives of those he works with has made him a sought-after advisor for emerging business leaders. Outside of mentoring, Dave has been married for 31 years, loves Harley Davidson bikes, and plays piano in a blues band. He also works one day a week with Ladles of Love, where he serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees, contributing to meaningful social impact.

Kosta Kontos

Founder and Chief Executive of KDB
Kosta Kontos is the Founder and Chief Executive of KDB, a proudly South African software company specializing in enterprise data management solutions. Over the past 20 years, KDB has powered the databases of leading South African businesses across industries such as financial services, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing. In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Kosta is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He serves on the boards of the GSB Foundation and the Hellenic Students Bursary Fund and is the current Chairperson of the GSB Alumni Board. He is also a past Chairperson of the GSB Entrepreneurship Club and an active member of the GSB Sunrise Club. Outside of his professional and community work, Kosta enjoys flat-water kayaking, cheering on Formula 1 races, and spending time with his growing family. He is happily married, with one daughter and another on the way.

Emma Donovan

Founder and CEO of Dapper
Emma Donovan is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in branding, marketing, and hospitality. As the founder and CEO of Dapper, Emma is passionate about helping clients gain clarity, own their stories, and build authentic brands with confidence. Beyond her work at Dapper, Emma has served on the board of the Cape Town chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation Accelerator and contributes her expertise as an advisory board member for various businesses. Her dedication to connecting, exploring, and inspiring change is evident whether she’s a guest on a podcast, delivering a keynote, or hosting transformative retreats. Through her role at Dapper, Emma empowers clients to embark on a journey of self-discovery, creating meaningful and authentic brands that reflect their true essence.

Professor Mikael Samuelsson

Professor Mikael Samuelsson is a global authority on entrepreneurship, renowned for his groundbreaking research and hands-on approach to supporting startups and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Throughout his career, he has founded business incubators, worked with governments and organizations worldwide, and directly supported thousands of startups in overcoming challenges and scaling successfully. One of Professor Samuelsson’s notable achievements includes his work with Klarna, a billion-dollar fintech unicorn that has redefined the financial technology landscape. His impact spans continents, from emerging markets to established economies, where he has helped shape entrepreneurial ecosystems to address real-world challenges.

Sindile Mavundla

Sindile Mavundla is Cape Town’s Bicycle Mayor, a dynamic advocate for sustainable urban mobility and equitable transport solutions. His work focuses on creating safer, more accessible cycling infrastructure and empowering communities to adopt cycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation. As a champion of active mobility, Sindile collaborates with local governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations to promote environmental sustainability, improve urban connectivity, and drive social inclusion. Through his leadership, he inspires individuals and communities to embrace cycling as a tool for transformation and empowerment.