Episode #64:

    Mathew Marsden

    Accidental entrepreneur. Ecosystem builder. Start-up Champion.

    In this episode of Shapers, Benjamin Shaw speaks with Mathew Marsden, entrepreneur and ecosystem builder behind Startup Club ZA, about his journey from wealth management into technology entrepreneurship and his mission to strengthen South Africa’s startup ecosystem.

     

    Mathew discusses the four pillars of ecosystem building – community, media, technology and capital – and the importance of connecting founders with the people, resources and investment they need to succeed.

     

    The conversation also examines founder-investor relationships, trust, the realities of raising capital in South Africa and Mathew’s long-term vision for creating meaningful economic value.

     

    Presented by EXEO Capital

     

    Shownotes:

     

    Expertise: Startup Ecosystem Development, Early-Stage Venture Capital, Angel Investing, Founder Support, Community Building, Startup Investment, Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Wealth Management, Financial Services, Technology Platforms, and Investor Relations.

     

    Education

    1. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Studied in the School of Economic and Business Sciences and graduated top of his class, according to the interview.
    2. Professional development – Completed certifications relating to business development programmes, including with the World Bank.

     

    Professional Career & Achievements

    1. Wealth Management & Advisory; Spent approximately seven to eight years in offshore wealth management, trust, fiduciary and asset management services; later developed his own consulting book and team under existing licences.
    2. Angel Investing: Began investing in entrepreneurial ventures, including a coffee machine leasing and subscription business, as well as property investments.
    3. Technology Entrepreneurship: Became CEO of a technology platform designed to support small businesses and generate insights to improve lending decisions. The venture ultimately closed after its funding circumstances changed.
    4. Startup Club ZA: Established a founder-focused community in Johannesburg to connect entrepreneurs, investors, potential partners and other ecosystem stakeholders through in-person events.
    5. National Ecosystem Initiatives: Discussed South African Startup Week, the South African Startup Awards and a national startup pitching series.
    6. Four-Pillar Ecosystem Strategy: Outlines community, media, technology and capital as interconnected foundations for improving founders’ opportunities to succeed.
    7. Startup Group: Discussed the planned transition from Startup Club ZA to Startup Group, alongside plans for an ecosystem technology platform and founder-aligned investment vehicle.
    8. Founder and Investor Stewardship: Advocates for stronger founder-investor relationships, transparent capital partnerships and active value creation beyond investment transactions.

     

    Books Mentioned

    Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle – Dan Senor and Saul Singer (referenced by the host).

     

    Notable mentions:

    1. Network effect
    2. Right to Win

     

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