When Vusi passionately pitched his business Native Décor in the tank, the five Sharks – business tycoons who are willing to dig deep into their own pockets to support budding businesses – all circled in to take the bait. Vusi, who designs and creates unique and trendy, yet functional, proudly South African home and décor items and then sells them online, wanted R400 000 in exchange for a 25% equity stake in Native Décor.

The feeding frenzy started with Romeo Kumalo offering the pioneering go-getter, whom he believed had a clear sense of his business, the cash he needed in exchange for 50% equity in his enterprise. Dawn Nathan-Jones then quickly moved in to convince Vusi that he rather required someone like her to open doors in the corporate market in conjunction with tech guru Vinny Lingham’s ability for online strategy and international online sales, for only a 30% equity stake. That’s when bean counter Marnus Broodryk decided to stir the pot, pointing out that Vinny lives far away in Silicon Valley and that someone like him could be at his side, all the time, and that it would be in Vusi’s best interest to choose him and a marketer, like fellow Shark Gil Oved. Hustler Gil wanted Vusi, the epitome of what an entrepreneur should be, all for himself, however. For a 50% partnership and R400 000 he could provide mentorship, channel distribution and marketing and help him to turn into an exceptionally wealthy individual. He would also sweeten Vusi’s expansion plans and cash flow with a longstanding credit loan of R3 million.

Ready to swim with the big fish, but not willing to give away half of his business, Vusi made Gil a counter offer – 40% for R400 000 – which sealed the first business deal in the history of Shark Tank South Africa.

Unfortunately, one of the other three pitches in the tank elicited a Shark attack of a different kind. Vinny, Marnus, Dawn, Romeo and Gil were snapping viciously at Hein Kymdell (32) and Leandi Strydom (30) who stepped into the tank to reel in R5 million for a 5% share in We Love Low Carb,  a range of healthy sugar-free breads.  An agitated Gil shred their evaluation of their business to pieces while Dawn thought they were naïve about the labour intensiveness of their plans, and Romeo did not buy their “mumbo-jumbo” figures.  Gil described them as “a fish out of water” and Marnus, who questioned their overheads, was not impressed with their attitude at all.

Even though the Sharks loved 42-year-old Michael Fletcher’s inventive personality, presentation and novel business – a silk screen device that prints chocolate logos and other designs on plates at functions –  none of them thought it worth their while to invest in. If it weren’t for some issues around intellectual property and lack of scalability, they confessed, they might have been “all over it.”

Initially, Chrisanda Moodley (31) created some excitement in the tank around her cosmetic range Retro Revolution. She demonstrated how her business’s first product, Liquid Tape, could be used to achieve the perfect manicure when applied to the cuticle area of one’s nails for ease of application when using nail polish. However, Romeo was concerned about her market research in this fiercely competitive category, while Gil and Vinny felt that the product was not that unique and without defensible IP. Marnus and Dawn raved about her passion and presentation but weren’t sure about the scalability. In the end, after the rest of the Sharks declared that they were out, female Shark Dawn decided that the product was overpriced and made something simple like painting your nails more expensive.

Shark Tank SA, sponsored by Telkom SA, is screened on Sundays between 18:00 and 19:00 on M-Net 101. This corresponds with the timeslot on a Sunday when all DStv customers can get a taste of what’s available on M-Net 101, so if you’re not a DStv Premium customer, you can also go to channel 101 to watch Shark Tank SA. The series will also be available on DStv Catch Up and streamed live on DStv Now.

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At the age of 14 Marnus Broodryk, who sometimes had to mow lawns and wash cars to pay for his school fees, started his first business, designing websites. By the time he turned 24 he was a self-made millionaire, and today this 30-year-old entrepreneur extraordinaire can boast that he has launched several multi-million Rand companies. For Marnus, however, making money is just as important as empowering others with the knowledge and resources to create their own successful enterprises.

That’s why Marnus, the affluent CEO of The Beancounter – an accounting firm that is making waves by disrupting the accounting industry in South Africa – has agreed to give away big money in M-Net’s brand new prime-time Sunday night reality show Shark Tank South Africa. Marnus will be one of the five esteemed financial moguls who will dip deep into their own pockets on television to make aspiring entrepreneurs’ dreams come true.

“If you’re focused, driven, do you homework and know your numbers, Marnus might just be the Shark who takes your business to the next level,” says M-Net’s Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard. “He passionately believes that entrepreneurship in our country will blossom and our economy will grow if successful business owners support newbies – and he is willing to put his money where his mouth is.”

Marnus, who is also known as the hosts of a financial insert on the kykNET show Winslyn, is keen to invest in business to business services or products, ideally with subscription models; business models with a focus on SMEs; technology companies; e-commerce; and companies with a social impact.

“I am willing to support anyone who stands out – even if I don’t necessarily relate to the product or service,” he says. “But you will have to show me a proven business or adequate traction. I have a strong financial background and have worked with hundreds of small businesses in South Africa and abroad. I do understand what makes and breaks a business – and that’s often not what you’re taught in university text books. You don’t have to know everything yet, but you need to show your desire to succeed with a strong pitch that will capture my imagination.”

Shark Tank SA is sponsored in full by Telkom SA and will be broadcast on M-Net channel 101 from Sunday, 2 October at 18:00.

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Gil Oved –  the group co-CEO of The Creative Counsel, the South African advertising agency that was bought over by French mega agency Publicis Groupe for a reported record-breaking eight-digit Rand figure  –  is one of the five business moguls who will be bankrolling budding entrepreneurs in M-Net’s new reality television series Shark Tank South Africa.

M-Net and series sponsor Telkom South Africa announced that the young multi-millionaire agreed to be a “Shark” on the local version of the two-time Emmy award-winning show that will hit our screens in October this year.

“Who would not want to swim with a Shark like Gil?” asks M-Net’s Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard. “He is a well-loved and energetic serial entrepreneur who has proven that he is passionate about supporting disruptive thinkers with well-thought-out visions. Gil is a smart hustler who knows how to boost businesses in just the right way. We are honoured to have him as one of our Sharks!”

Gil, who holds two business degrees, graduating with a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and Bachelor of Commerce cum laude, started his illustrious business career along with high school friend Ran Neu-Ner, armed with nothing but a telephone and the Yellow Pages. In 2001, they founded The Creative Counsel, and 14 years later their humble two-man operation grew into the largest communications and advertising group in Africa, with an annual turnover of over R700 Million, employing over 1000 full-time employees and creating tens of thousands of part-time jobs.

These days, Gil is also a board member on South Africa’s second biggest venture capital tech fund, Grotech, giving him insight into South Africa’s most exciting venture capital companies.

Shark Tank South Africa is not Gil’s first stint in front of the television cameras. He hosted a youth show in his teens and, after matriculating, he illustrated his entrepreneurial spirit by creating his own television production company. Viewers of M-Net’s sister channel Mzansi Magic will have also seen how Gil gave several entrepreneurs a break into the world of business on Dragon’s Den.

But what will Gil, the Shark, be looking for?

“On Shark Tank South Africa, I am keen on investing in companies with unique – and local – IP.  I am interested in products, services, technology and brands that need channel marketing, branding, distribution, mentorship, guidance and access to capital,” says Gil. He also adds a word of caution:  “I want to see hunger and passion and exciting entrepreneurs focused on innovating and making a difference. Respect the opportunity to present on the show, know your numbers, take the time to package your business case.”

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Another Sharks who will be diving deep into her personal bank accounts to bankroll budding entrepreneurs in M-Net’s brand new Sunday night reality show Shark Tank South Africa, will include a dynamic South African businesswoman. Durban-born Dawn Nathan-Jones, who revolutionised the local car rental industry,  on the television panel that will soon make people’s money-making ideas come true.

“We’re honoured that a business woman of Dawn’s calibre has agreed to be part of the show,” says M-Net’s Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard. “Dawn’s success in the cut-throat world of business is testament to the fact that hard work, resilience, courage, people skills and a strong vision can make a difference anywhere. She passionately advocates the empowerment of women in business and her energy and unique entrepreneurial flair promises to inspire gutsy female entrepreneurs to follow their dreams.”

Dawn Nathan-Jones’ illustrious career started at the age of 21 when she joined Imperial Car founding members Carol Scott and Maureen Jackson, who identified a gap in the market and then took on other car rental giants with only five cars and plenty of passion. Her ability to continuously innovate, re-invent and drive change later landed her the coveted position of CEO of the Imperial Group’s Car Rental Division consisting of Europcar South Africa, Europecar Van Rental, Europcar Chauffeur Service, Tempest Car Hire, Auto Pedigree, Imperial Autobody, Danmar and Gage Car Hire.

Her achievements include taking the business from humble beginnings to a fleet of 20,000 vehicles by the time she stepped down from her role as CEO at the end of 2015, after 16 years at the helm. Dawn was also instrumental in the rebranding of Imperial Holdings in 2009 as Chairman of the Imperial Brand Council. Imperial Car Rental and Europcar merged in 2007, and she was responsible for the repositioning of the car rental division and consolidation and rebranding of Imperial Car Rental to Europcar in 2009.

“My philosophy is that you are either a passenger or the driver of change,” Dawn says. “The latter gives you the edge, and that’s why innovation and the right attitude will play a key role for me in Shark Tank SA. I want to support people who can shake up whatever field they’re in for the good of everyone involved. Of course, I also have a soft spot for fearless women who know where they’re going.”

In 2007, Dawn won the Transnet Foundation’s Boss of The Year Award, and in 2012 she was appointed as the Vice President of the industry body SAVRALA, where she has played an active role for the past 20 years. She is a member of the Business Women’s Association, IWF (International Women’s Forum), Institute of Directors an advocate of Equal Opportunities for Women, and founded the Europcar Jewish Woman in Leadership Award.  She has been an active lobbyist between Government authorities and business particularly in the Motor Industry, and the South African Retail and Rental and Leasing Associations. Furthermore, she has been involved with many tourism bodies and played an active role in various tourism initiatives and industry advisory boards.

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Well-known telecommunications expert, media personality and commercial strategist Romeo Kumalo has joined the panel of five “Sharks” on M-Net and Telkom South Africa’s exciting new Sunday night reality show Shark Tank South Africa.

Alongside multi-millionaire serial entrepreneurs Gil Oved, Marnus Broodryk, Vinny Lingham as well as renowned business woman Dawn Nathan-Jones, Romeo will be investing his own money into the plans and products of show participants who he believes have what it takes to create lucrative businesses. While the show will be screened on M-Net from October this year, everyone who wants to stand the chance of winning the Sharks’ favour, has until Sunday, 31 July to become part of this opportunity of a lifetime.

Romeo, who is currently the CEO and major shareholder of Washirika (Pty) Limited – a pan African investment holdings and private equity company with investments in the communication, construction, clean energy and ICT sectors – believes that Shark Tank South Africa is a great platform to support the growth of healthy business culture in South Africa. “To lead the economy of the future, it’s important to kindle a spirit of entrepreneurship in the next generation,” he says. “Having made the transition from a competitive corporate environment to establishing various business interests in my individual capacity, I would like to use the opportunity as a Shark to support the dreams of young entrepreneurs who need to breakthrough into the market.”

Romeo, who holds a Masters Degree in Commerce as well as executive management certificates from WITS, INSEAD and Harvard Business School, has worked, lived and travelled extensively over the continent. In South Africa, his more than 20 years’ worth of experience in the information, communication and telecoms industries includes his appointment to the Board of Vodacom South Africa as Executive Commercial Director in 2007. He was also a member of the Vodacom Group Executive Committee until 2015.

“Romeo brings the perfect balance of savvy and gravitas to the panel of Sharks,” says M-Net’s Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard. “He is an accomplished leader with a solid corporate career and proven track record of changing business around. His advice and comments on the show will stand everyone who wants to acquire valuable business acumen in good stead.”

“I will be looking for innovative ideas and entrepreneurs who are daring, adventurous but at the same time realistic about what can be translated into business solutions in the South African and/or African market,” Romeo says. “If you think that you can benefit from learning from my 25 year career, as well as my mentorship, I encourage you to apply.”

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Renowned internet entrepreneur Vinny Lingham, who is currently moving and shaking the world of IT in California’s Silicon Valley, will be part of the panel of five investors on M-Net’s brand new reality show Shark Tank South Africa. 

Alongside serial entrepreneur Gil Oved, financial whiz Marnus Broodryk, telecommunications expert Romeo Khumalo and formidable businesswoman Dawn Nathan-Jones, Vinny will be evaluating the pitches of budding entrepreneurs who need financial backing to take their business ideas or products to the next level.

“Vinny’s presence on the panel is undoubtedly good news for everyone who’s dreaming of making big bucks online or with any tech-related products,”  says M-Net’s Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard. “But, he is in fact  prepared to cast the net much wider on Shark Tank South Africa. As long as you can prove that you’re a sophisticated entrepreneur who wants to build a meaningful and sustainable enterprise.”

Becoming a millionaire at the age of 35, Vinny is currently the co­-founder and CEO of Civic Technologies Inc, ­a startup company that sets out to eliminate new account fraud and prevent identity theft. He recently raised $2.75 million in venture funding led by notable investor Social Leverage. He was also the co­founder and CEO of Gyft, ­ a mobile gift card company founded in 2012 and backed by Google Ventures. Gyft quickly became the leading player in the space and was acquired by global payments giant, First Data Corporation in 2014, for over $50 million. Vinny previously founded and ran Yola.com, Clicks2Customers and incuBeta.

Furthermore, Vinny is the co­founder of SiliconCape.com, an NGO based in South Africa that aims to turn Cape Town into a technology hub.

What will Vinny be looking for in Shark Tank? “Original ideas,” he says. “Please don’t try and sell other people’s products. If you create and build your own products and business, you’ll have my attention.”

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