Global Scale: SA Startup Bought for R1 Billion

oin us for an extraordinary fireside chat with Vangelis "Van" Kyriazis, a chartered accountant CA(SA) turned serial entrepreneur who has redefined the landscape of financial reporting and business intelligence. Van's journey from running a traditional accounting practice to building one of South Africa's most successful SaaS companies culminates in one of the most significant tech exits in recent African history.

Co-founding Syft Analytics alongside his brother Eleftherios Kyriazis, Duran Hamer, and Matt Stephanou, Van embarked on a mission to democratize financial intelligence for small and medium-sized enterprises. What began as a solution to help his own clients quickly evolved into a comprehensive platform that serves over 150,000 businesses worldwide, operating through more than 3,000 accounting firms across 50+ countries.

Syft Analytics distinguishes itself in the crowded fintech space through its innovative approach to financial reporting. The platform seamlessly integrates with popular accounting software including Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage, transforming static financial data into interactive dashboards, customizable reports, and predictive analytics. With features spanning consolidations, forecasts, budgets, valuations, and AI-powered insights, Syft empowers businesses to move from data to decisions with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

This fireside chat offers startup founders, small business owners, and entrepreneurial enthusiasts a rare opportunity to gain insights from someone who has successfully navigated the journey from identifying a market problem to building a globally recognized solution and achieving a significant exit. Van's story exemplifies the potential for African entrepreneurs to create world-class technology solutions that compete on a global stage.

The conversation will explore the practical realities of building a bootstrapped SaaS company, the challenges of scaling across international markets, the importance of maintaining focus on customer value, and the strategic decisions that led to Syft's eventual acquisition. For attendees interested in the intersection of traditional industries and technology innovation, Van's experience in transforming the accounting profession through technology provides valuable lessons in digital transformation and market disruption.

This event is hosted in collaboration with MTN and will be hosted at their Experience Centre in Morningside.

An Evening with Vangelis "Van" Kyriazis, Co-founder & CEO of Syft Analytics

Date: 7th August 2025

Time: 5:00 PM

Venue: MTN Morningside Experience Centre