Growing SMEs Actually IS Rocket Science (Wait, What?!)

After six investments, 70 jobs created and with each operating company growing both revenue and margin, we believe that we have enough “dots” to make a “line” and thus the confidence to make certain assertions. Our most controversial to date:

Growing SMES actually is rocket science!

As we raise our second fund, this statement, at first, does not exactly endear us to new investors, but it is fundamental to what we believe and what we do.

So, why do we say that SME growth actually is rocket science?

Founders expend most of their energy and resources getting to lift-off. Getting off the ground is the riskiest and most energy-consuming period.

Once you’ve cleared that first hurdle (the tower), you require careful management and guidance; you must apply your resources carefully.

Stage two — acceleration: You shed your start-up baggage and align your trajectory. This is a scary process, but with enough science, resources and grit, you can predict success with relative surety.

You lean forward and grind it out for what seems like forever until…escape velocity!

As the weight lifts off your shoulders as you move into stable orbit, the experienced management team on the ground can guide the ship to the moon, to Mars, to the great beyond!

(So, it’s more an extended metaphor than it is an apples-to-apples comparison. That said, Secha co-founder Rushil Vallabh DID study as an aeronautical engineer, so he should know!)

About Secha Capital

Secha Capital provides patient capital to established African SMEs in the “missing middle”; they address the management gap by joining the management team; and they reach full potential via an accelerator toolkit. Secha Capital is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and focuses on established companies in the FMCG and agribusiness space throughout Southern Africa

sechacapital.com — @SechaCapital — associate@sechacapital.com