Warren, please tell us about Altvest Capital?
By opening access to exclusive opportunities typically reserved for institutional investors, Altvest empowers ordinary South Africans
to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional assets, gaining exposure to investments like SMEs, Chinese venture capital and
other alternative asset classes. This mechanism simultaneously provides a platform for entrepreneurs to raise capital for their businesses or projects by raising funding from the public.
Altvest’s vision is to redefine private equity and alternative investments for retail and professional investors alike, providing a flexible platform to participate in some of the world’s most dynamic growth markets.
What is Altvest’s philosophy and mission?
Our philosophy is centred on democratisation, inclusivity and driving economic growth. A primary part of our mission is to fund SMEs and entrepreneurs, strengthening the backbone of our local economy by providing essential capital to businesses with potential to scale. We believe that the benefits of high-growth, high-potential investments should be accessible to a broader base of investors, not just the wealthy or institutional. Altvest’s mission is to break down financial barriers by creating transparent and accessible investment opportunities, allowing South African investors to access alternative assets and, consequently, help fuel economic growth both locally and internationally.
How do you fulfil this mission?
We fulfil this mission by developing hybrid financial instruments and structured investment vehicles that can be listed on public
exchanges like the JSE, providing retail investors and large funds alike with regulated and liquid access to alternative investments. Our platform offers a range of options, from equity in SMEs to venture capital, each designed to meet varying investor needs and tolerances. Our latest innovation, the Altvest Orient Opportunities Fund (AOOF), exemplifies this approach, allowing South African investors to gain exposure to the Chinese venture capital market – a region traditionally limited to major institutional investors.
Please tell us about Altvest’s Orient Opportunities Fund?
The AOOF is a groundbreaking fund that we are trying to list on the JSE. Focused on technology, healthcare and renewable energy, the fund is structured to mitigate risks while maximising growth potential. Initially, investments are placed in liquid assets like Chinese equities and short-term treasury bonds, maintaining flexibility before transitioning capital into venture-backed startups. Through our partnership with RisCura, the AOOF brings deep expertise and local knowledge in Chinese markets, allowing us to navigate regulatory complexities and source exclusive investment opportunities in line with China’s national strategic priorities.
Altvest recently reached a major milestone and was listed on the JSE. What is Altvest’s strategy behind this move?
Listing on the JSE was a strategic step for Altvest, one that reflects our commitment to making high-quality investments accessible to a broad audience. Through public listings, we’re able to offer liquidity, transparency and accessibility, especially in asset classes like venture capital, which traditionally require long-term commitments. By creating a secondary market, we’re enhancing flexibility and providing a more accessible, regulated entry point into private equity and venture capital for South African investors. This strategy also enables large institutional investors, such as retirement funds, to diversify into these high-growth sectors with a structure that aligns with their need for both growth and responsible management.
Altvest is helping to bridge local capital with international and local high growth opportunities, creating a positive cycle of economic empowerment and financial resilience for South Africans.
How is Altvest transforming the private equity landscape?
Altvest is transforming the private equity landscape by breaking down the exclusivity traditionally associated with private equity and venture capital. Through our structured products and public listings, we are providing both retail and institutional investors with access to high growth markets that would typically require substantial capital and a willingness to commit for long periods. Our approach includes creating a regulated secondary market, allowing for liquidity where it has historically been limited. This transformation means that private equity investments, like those in Chinese VC through the AOOF, are now accessible with a level of flexibility and transparency that aligns with modern investors’ needs.
What does this mean for South Africa?
For South Africa, Altvest’s approach means broadening financial inclusivity and stimulating economic growth. By allowing retail investors to participate in alternative assets, we’re enabling South Africans to diversify their wealth and take part in global growth opportunities. Additionally, as capital flows into SME development and high-growth sectors through funds like AOOF, South Africa stands to benefit from increased economic participation, job creation and innovation. Altvest is helping to bridge local capital with international and local high growth opportunities, creating a positive cycle of economic empowerment and financial resilience for South Africans.
