At Sanlam Private Wealth, our legacy is rooted in entrepreneurial thinking. With the launch of the Ventures Foundation, we’re extending that spirit into the creative economy – supporting South Africa’s next generation of design entrepreneurs, while at the same time offering our clients a meaningful way to build impact, cultural capital and legacy.
The Ventures Foundation is a bold new initiative focused on identifying and mentoring standout creative entrepreneurs with the potential to scale their craft into globally respected, sustainable businesses. Through a blend of tailored mentorship, bespoke business training and global exposure, the Foundation helps translate creative talent into enduring economic opportunity.
As CEO Theesan Moodley explains: ‘As part of our integrated wealth offering, Sanlam Private Wealth sets up investment structures, including public benefit organisations, for high and ultra-high net worth clients. We’ve now used our expertise to create a platform that will drive meaningful impact and endure for generations to come.’
At its core, this is about economic empowerment. South Africa’s creative economy holds untapped potential – rooted in heritage, shaped by innovation and ready for global relevance. By backing the people who drive it, Sanlam Private Wealth is helping to unlock a powerful engine for growth.
‘If you believe that wealth should extend beyond numbers – into legacy – this initiative offers a meaningful way to participate. Whether through mentorship, strategic introductions or financial support, your contribution can accelerate an entrepreneur’s trajectory. It’s craft to legacy in action,’ says Theesan.
How it works
This year, the Foundation invites designers to craft a luxury textile piece – prototyped as a rug – that reimagines African luxury. The emphasis: timeless craftsmanship, exceptional materials and refined design.
From national submissions, 12 designers will be selected to attend masterclasses and workshops. Five finalists will then embark on a customised mentorship journey, culminating in one designer being chosen to showcase their work at Maison&Objet Paris, a leading global design event.
Mentors and partners
The programme is guided by an outstanding panel of experts and mentors across design, business and creative entrepreneurship, including Tracy Lee Lynch (Clout/SA), Laurie Wiid van Heerden (Wiid Design), Mpho Vackier (TheUrbanative), Zizipho Poswa (Imiso), Charl Edwards (Lookbook Studios), business strategist Claude Morris, and Sanlam Private Wealth’s Lentsoane Lekalakala.
We’re also proud to partner with the Craft & Design Institute (CDI), which brings decades of experience in preparing creative enterprises for local and global markets.
Why this matters now
Africa’s design sector is no longer just cultural expression – it’s fast becoming a growth sector. Global markets are increasingly drawn to provenance, sustainability and originality – qualities baked into much of African creative output.
Yet the path to scale remains narrow. Access to capital and networks is limited. Competing with established international names is complex, and expanding globally without diluting cultural essence requires more than ambition. It requires guidance.
The Ventures Foundation aims to narrow this gap. Drawing on Sanlam Private Wealth’s track record of managing global portfolios and cross‑border complexity, as well as the know‑how of mentors who have scaled their own brands internationally, the programme offers finalists not just inspiration, but practical playbooks.
The goal is lasting growth: African luxury brands with the clarity, capability and confidence to take their place in boardrooms, boutiques and design showcases worldwide, without losing their soul.
It’s not just about design. It’s about building businesses, creating jobs and exporting South African excellence to the world.
Get involved
The Ventures Foundation is our collective platform for impact. In the coming months, we’ll share more about how to participate – from funding opportunities to mentorship.
In the meantime, we invite you to visit our Ventures Foundation page here and follow our Instagram and LinkedIn accounts for updates.
