Investment Firm Knife Increases Support for Education and Health Technology Startups, Celebrating 15 Years of Impact-Driven Investing
In a significant move, Cape Town-based venture capital firm Knife Capital has announced Series A investments in two South African startups, Sticitt and Optique. This strategic decision marks Knife Capital's 15th anniversary and underscores its commitment to supporting scalable, impact-driven innovation.
**Sticitt**, founded in 2018 by Theo Kitshoff, is a fintech startup that has revolutionised school payments in South Africa. The platform simplifies transactions for school fees and services into a digital system, currently serving over 75,700 users across 841 schools and processing ZAR 6.3 billion (approximately USD 359.8 million) in transactions. Beyond just a payments platform, Sticitt promotes long-term financial inclusion by gamifying financial literacy for students through its youth banking tool. Knife Capital initially backed Sticitt through its Grindstone accelerator and Grindstone Ventures programs, and the Series A investment aims to simplify the cap table and accelerate Sticitt's expansion, leveraging Knife Capital's experience and networks to help the startup scale sustainably.
**Optique**, founded in 2017 and led by Leon van Vuuren, is a healthtech startup that challenges traditional optometry by providing affordable, digitally enabled eye care services. Optique operates 19 branches and an online store, targeting underserved South Africans with offerings such as ZAR 99 eye tests, all-inclusive pricing, and interest-free payment plans. The Knife Capital investment will support Optique's national growth ambitions and help bring quality eye care to consumers neglected by legacy providers.
Knife Capital made these investments through its KNF II fund, and they reflect the firm's ongoing commitment to accelerating innovation that addresses pressing social needs in Africa, as it enters its next phase of growth.
For those interested in getting their startup featured on a platform showcasing startups shaping Africa's tech scene, there's an opportunity available. This platform offers increased visibility, trust-building, partner attraction, and positions the brand at the heart of Africa's innovation movement.
Meanwhile, African organizations can apply for financial support, fiscal sponsorship, and funding skills training through the Africa Impact Fundraising Grant (AIFG) Program. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025.
In a separate development, ESTDEV is offering €660,000 for ecosystem builders to design and implement startup accelerator programs in East and Southern Africa, focusing on green and digital innovation. The deadline for tender proposals is July 8, 2025, 15.00 (EEST).
Super Capital, a 360° financing group focused on early-stage investments, from pre-seed to Series A, in Africa's most promising startups, backs visionary founders shaping Africa's future.
With these investments, Knife Capital continues to demonstrate its role as a catalyst for innovation and growth on the African continent.
Technology plays a significant role in both Sticitt and Optique, as these startups leverage digital systems to simplify transactions and provide affordable services, promoting financial inclusion and quality eye care in South Africa. Knife Capital's Series A investments in Sticitt and Optique further underscore their commitment to technological innovation that addresses pressing social needs in Africa and contributes to its growth.
