Telkom FutureMakers, the Enterprise and Supplier Development program of South African mobile operator Telkom, has joined forces with venture builder company Aions Creative Technology to nurture the growth of local startups. This collaboration follows a rigorous pitching process, in which Aions secured ZAR58 million (US$3.2 million) in funding.

The substantial investment showcases Telkom FutureMakers' dedication to fostering partnerships and supporting the development of South African ICT small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

What sets Aions apart from other entrants is that they provide both funding and end-to-end support for start-ups, which is in line with Telkom FutureMakers’ focus on innovation. Part of this focus includes the need for a suitable vehicle to achieve investments in innovation-based digital value propositions,

said Mmathebe Zvobwo, Telkom Executive: Enterprise & Supplier Development.

Mitchan Adams, Co-Founder and CEO of Aions, disclosed that the funding would enable Aions to “significantly grow” the number of startup businesses it is funding and mentoring.  

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As venture builders, we provide the seed funding the start-ups need, and then work closely with the founders to transform them into a market-ready offering that can scale rapidly and employ more people themselves. We believe this approach resonated strongly with Telkom’s goal of growing and building businesses, especially in disadvantaged areas,

he said.

Aions is currently mentoring three startups – financial wellness and salary-linked benefit platform Level; electric scooter startup Scooter; and Tubby’s Kitchen, which manufactures a range of healthy cannabis-infused kitchen products for home use. The Telkom funding will see this number grow to at least 10 in the coming 12 months, said Adams.