Founder Funded: The Regenize x E Squared Story

Chad Robertson is a passionate social entrepreneur and tech visionary, best known as the Co-Founder and CEO of Regenize, a Cape Town-based company revolutionizing recycling in South Africa. On a mission “to disrupt social norms and discover my superpowers to help make the world a better place", he’s driving an innovative, inclusive model that empowers informal waste collectors with uniforms, tri-cycles, phones, banking support, micro-loans—and introduces Remali, a virtual currency that rewards households for recycling. With a background in software development and currently pursuing an MPhil in Inclusive Innovation at UCT GSB focused on the informal waste sector, Chad blends technological acumen with deep social impact. Under his leadership, Regenize has earned recognition through awards like the 2019 SAB Social Innovation award and the 2021 GreenPitch Challenge, and continues to scale its mission of making recycling accessible, rewarding, and socially transformative.

Nkazimlo Miti is an innovative social entrepreneur and changemaker who co-founded Regenize, a Cape Town-based recycling startup that incentivizes sustainable behaviour through its virtual rewards currency, Remali. Driven by “the possibilities of innovation and going above and beyond what is possible – for the betterment of society,” Miti has helped build an inclusive model that provides waste collectors with uniforms, tri-cycles, smartphones, micro-loans, and training—while empowering over 22,000 households to recycle, alongside more than 40 partnered waste pickers. Since launching in 2016, the venture has earned R1.3 million in the SAB Foundation Social Innovation award and continues advancing its mission to make recycling accessible, rewarding, and socially impactful.

Zakiya Khan is an accomplished Chartered Accountant (SA) and social impact advocate currently serving as an Impact Investment Manager at E Squared, where she joined in June 2024. With over a decade of experience in development finance and private equity across Africa—at the Industrial Development Corporation and IDF Capital—she has focused on sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, textiles, infrastructure, and fintech. Zakiya is driven by a passion for financial empowerment and inclusive economic growth, working diligently to uplift communities through responsible investment in social enterprises. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys exploring new places, seeking out adventure, and cherishing time with loved ones—bringing a holistic, people-centered approach to both her work and personal life .