[Wisdom from elders is wasted when the young do not pursue to learn from it]
This week, "The Other Side with Sihle Sibeko" interviews Deven Govender, Co-Founder & CEO of LionPride Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd and Partner at Stone Creek Capital. The interview was originally intended to be a written interview, but the conversation was so much fun and filled with so much wisdom that I decided to share it with you! So, please excuse the background noise.
Interview with Deven Govender: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1CfnT2LDUqZIlpoI4-7qsokjyQ8HVZk88
SS: Hey Deven, thank you for taking the time out of your schedule… Before we getting into the heart of it… Who is Deven Govender, what does he like? Please give us a synopsis of your story!
DG: 00:23
SS: Deven, you have one of the most storied careers I’ve seen in a while… starting from 1983, you’re nearing 40 years in the professional field. When you began all those many years ago, was your objective to always manage your own Investment Company, or was that a consequence of your trajectory?
DG: 08:48
SS: What is the current attitude North-America domiciled investors have towards South Africa and its fund managers, particularly in the private capital and alternative investments arena?
DG: 15:05
SS: You spent, and continue to spend a large portion of your career in developed markets, particularly North America. In terms of the work environment (pace of work, scale of operations), what are some things South Africa must improve to be an attractive investment destination for foreign capital flows?
DG: 19:53
SS: You founded LionPride Investment Holdings (“LionPride”) in 2017, raising R500 million for your initial Section 12J Lion Agility VCC Fund. What are the critical success factors, as a first time manager, one must have / do to successfully close raising their initial fund?
DG: 23:15
SS: The other side to the last question would be from the entrepreneur’s viewpoint. LionPride’s themes are impact investing in Healthcare, Financial Inclusivity, Education and Social Media. What are the exceptional traits you look for in a business that can qualify them to receive capital investment from LionPride?
DG: 28:50
SS: The last proposed amendments by Treasury to Section 12J sought to limit disingenuous capital allocation to ventures in private property and the like. The amendments were also effectively a kill-shot to the incentive and industry at large. In your opinion, what is the legacy of Section 12J? Did it really manage to spur venture capital in South Africa?
DG: 34:00
SS: You are a Partner in a new venture, Stone Creek Capital in Canada. Could you please explain, in layman terms, what Stone Creek Capital does? I gather it’s something in stock-related margin loans? What is the qualification criteria for a business domiciled in South Africa to partake in Stone Creek’s offering?
DG: 39:30
SS: The LionPride board is quite prestigious, as I’m sure so too the Stone Creek capital team. Who, if anyone, from your trusted circle of associates and colleagues has imparted the most wisdom upon you? What did they impart to you? ; And what qualities makes them special.
DG: 43:47
SS: Mr.Govender, thank you for your time. What’s one thing you’d like to wish our readers?
DG: 53:53
Siyabonga!!!
This weeks affirmation: I allow wisdom to flow in and through me
This weeks vibe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS3gOjyp8PA | https://music.apple.com/za/album/edokodweni/1585634378?i=1585634382 | https://open.spotify.com/track/1D3FbJ5cNC7aePlVBixhqW?autoplay=true - Edokodweni by Sjava
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