The Network Effect
Thu Jun 19, 17:30 - Thu Jun 19, 19:30
Innovation City
ABOUT
Which Founder Network is Right for You?
Innovation City Cape Town
Thursday, 19 June (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM)
South Africa’s startup ecosystem is buzzing! For many founders, figuring out where to belong is harder than it looks.
With so many networks, accelerators, incubators, angel groups, and founder collectives out there, it can be tough to know which ones are truly worth your time and which ones are best suited to your journey.
That’s where The Network Effect comes in.
This event brings together the people behind South Africa’s most influential founder networks for a candid, side-by-side conversation. No fluff. No pitching. Just real talk about:
- What each network actually offers (beyond the headlines)
- Who each one is best suited for; by stage, industry, or founder type
- What kind of support, capital, or community you can expect
- How to plug in meaningfully, and what to avoid
Who should attend?
- Early to mid-stage founders looking for the right network to support their next move
- Solo entrepreneurs or operator-led teams building in tech or high-growth industries
- Investors, ecosystem builders, and support organisations curious about what’s working
- Anyone who’s ever joined a network… and asked, "Was this the right fit for me?"
What to expect:
A fast-paced panel with network founders and managers, followed by informal networking so you can connect directly with the people building these communities.
If you’ve been on the outside looking in, or inside but unsure, The Network Effect is your chance to get clarity.
SPEAKERS

Gaynor MacArthur is a prominent South African business leader and the current President of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) Cape Town chapter for the 2024/2025 term . She also serves as the Managing Director of Digicape, South Africa’s largest independent Apple Premium Reseller.
With over six years of active involvement in EO, MacArthur has held various leadership roles within the organization, including serving on the Forum Council . Her presidency is guided by the theme "Radiance," reflecting her commitment to fostering a vibrant and growth-oriented community among entrepreneurs.
Beyond her roles in EO and Digicape, MacArthur contributes to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem by participating in initiatives such as judging global entrepreneur awards . Her leadership is characterized by a blend of strategic vision and a dedication to innovation and community building

Renier Kriel is a seasoned South African entrepreneur and startup strategist, best known as the founder and driving force behind The Open Letter, a widely read newsletter that delivers sharp insights, startup strategies, and curated tech news to over 11,000 readers across South Africa and beyond.
In his early twenties, Kriel founded a pioneering software agency that played a significant role in Africa's tech landscape. The agency developed some of the continent's first smartphone apps for major companies such as Takealot, Checkers, and MTN. After 12 years, he successfully exited the business, transitioning into a new chapter where he now focuses on empowering the South African tech ecosystem.
Kriel launched The Open Letter to address the lack of accessible, founder-focused content in the South African startup ecosystem. The newsletter blends startup strategy, market analysis, and humor to inform and inspire entrepreneurs. It has become a go-to resource for founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts seeking practical insights and community engagement.
In 2024, Kriel expanded the platform with The Open Letter Pro, offering deeper dives into startup metrics, strategic frameworks, and exclusive access to events and a WhatsApp-based founder community.
Beyond his writing, Kriel is a sought-after speaker and advisor, known for his candid, actionable approach to startup growth and his commitment to uplifting the South African tech ecosystem. His work continues to shape the narrative around entrepreneurship in Africa, making him a key voice in the region's innovation landscape.

Jono More is a South African entrepreneur and community builder, currently serving as the South Africa Regional Lead for OPUS, a global network dedicated to empowering founders, creators, and business builders. In this role, he is spearheading the launch and growth of OPUS in South Africa, focusing on connecting local entrepreneurs with a global community and providing them with the resources and support needed to thrive.
With a background in scaling businesses across technology, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors, More brings a wealth of experience to his position. He co-founded iMali Quiz, a digital platform that has engaged over 4 million users, showcasing his ability to create impactful ventures. His expertise in building communities, forging strategic partnerships, and leveraging technology positions him as a key figure in driving OPUS's mission in the region.
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, More is committed to fostering meaningful connections among South Africa's business minds. He emphasizes the importance of dynamic meet-ups, creative events, and authentic conversations to build a supportive and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem. ]
Through his leadership at OPUS, Jono More is dedicated to helping South African entrepreneurs navigate challenges, expand their networks, and build businesses that make a significant impact.

Fred Roed is the founder and CEO of Heavy Chef, a learning community for entrepreneurs. Heavy Chef offers short courses ('recipes') and learning programmes for entrepreneurs. Heavy Chef delivers 1,000s of learning videos via an entrepreneur platform (heavychef.com) and entrepreneur programmes around South Africa.
Previously Fred Roed was CEO of digital agency World Wide Creative, with clients such as Hyundai, Jaguar / Land Rover, City of Cape Town, Independent Media, Rand Merchant Bank, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile and The Foschini Group. Fred and co-founder Mike Perk sold the business to The Saratoga Group.
Between 2012 and 2016, Fred was Head of Agencies at the IAB SA (Interactive Advertising Bureau SA) and was awarded “Best Individual Contribution to the South African Digital Industry” in the 2015 Bookmark Awards held at the Turbine Hall in Johannesburg.
Fast Company Magazine named Fred as one of The Top 100 Creative People In Business.
Fred is also pretty sure he saw Elvis once, at the Pick n’ Pay in Tableview.

Nic Latouf is a seasoned digital entrepreneur and storyteller, known for co-founding several ventures at the intersection of e-commerce, branding, and communication. He played a pivotal role in launching and scaling the iconic South African footwear brand Veldskoen®, helping it grow from a local startup into a global label with celebrity backing and distribution across multiple continents. As co-founder of The Lekker Network and Storilabs, Nic continues to champion South African brands, facilitating international market expansion through strategic digital storytelling. With multiple successful exits under his belt, he brings a rare blend of business acumen and creative insight. Currently, as Head of Communication at Deep Atomic, Nic is leading the charge in shaping how frontier tech brands connect with global audiences. His work is grounded in the belief that powerful storytelling drives meaningful growth, and he remains deeply committed to helping brands craft narratives that resonate and scale.

George Eadie is a seasoned executive, certified coach, and lifelong adventurer who now lives on a farm in Elgin, South Africa, with his wife and two young sons. Formerly based in Cape Town’s southern suburbs, George was the CEO of a leading South African publishing business during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, steering the company through turbulent times over Zoom while living beside a remote lagoon. This season of intense leadership, combined with moonlit paddles, cold mountain swims, and daily moments in nature, inspired a permanent move away from urban life. With a career that spans London, Dubai, Oman, Johannesburg, Tehran, Colorado, and California, George now pursues a location-agnostic lifestyle rooted in freedom, privacy, and wellness. He is deeply committed to personal development, having undergone two major seasons of psychotherapy and engaging in fortnightly coaching for the past five years. He also leads and participates in a men’s meditation and breathwork group and an entrepreneurial circle, both focused on deep connection and growth. A lover of plant medicine, movement, and the outdoors, George balances personal exploration with grounded responsibilities—like raising children and managing a mortgage. He holds certifications as a Flow Consultant, Strengths Finder Coach, and a professional coaching qualification from the UCT Graduate School of Business. His journey has been profoundly shaped by the loss of his brother in 2011, an experience that continues to influence his purpose-driven approach to life and leadership.
INNOVATION CITY MEMBERS
NOTE: Innovation City members can get free access to all IC weekly events. (You will find the discount code on the IC app.)
EVENT ATTENDANCE
Our team dedicates significant time to creating and curating these events. We encourage a culture of commitment and follow-through.
Should you no longer be able to attend, please update your RSVP status via the link on your emailed ticket.
We look forward to welcoming you to Innovation City and appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
VIDEO
DISCLAIMER
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PARKING
Location: We're just off Kloof Street on Darter Road.
Traffic Alert: Please be cautious of traffic heading into town.
Parking: Paid parking is available at Kloof Lifestyle Center
Recommended: It's always best to use Uber for convenience.