HAVAÍC

HAVAÍC is a Cape Town-based venture capital firm founded in 2016 by Managing Partner Ian Lessem. The firm targets post-revenue, early-stage technology companies born in Africa, with a portfolio of 22 companies across three funds serving 22 million customers in 183 countries.

The current vehicle, African Innovation Fund 3, targets $50 million and hit $30 million+ at its third close in early 2026, backed by institutional LPs including Sanlam Multi-Manager, Fireball Capital, SA SME Fund, and E Squared Investments. The fund has deployed $10 million across eight companies with a target of 15 total investments. HAVAÍC has delivered two significant exits: RapidDeploy (acquired by Motorola Solutions in early 2025) and hearX Group (merged with US-listed Eargo following a $100 million capital raise in April 2025). The firm targets annual investment returns exceeding 30% and operates as a juristic representative of CAEP Asset Managers, with membership in SAVCA.