Naspers to invest US$2.1 million in SA online cleaning service, SweepSouth

Multinational internet and media group, Naspers has invested R30 million (US$2.1 million) in South African tech start-up SweepSouth. This is the first investment by Naspers in its commitment to support talented and ambitious entrepreneurs in South Africa who are using technology to improve people’s daily lives.

SweepSouth, co-founded in 2014 by Aisha Pandor and Alen Ribic, is an online cleaning services platform that connects clients with trusted, reliable domestic cleaners.

Late last year, Naspers announced at the inaugural South Africa Investment Conference 2018 in Johannesburg that it would be investing on South African technology companies through Naspers Foundry, a R1.4 billion start-up fund.

The exceptional growth of the business since launch has created jobs for more than 10,000 people, with the platform matching demand for trusted cleaning services that was previously unfulfilled – the online platform connects clients to pre-vetted cleaners across major cities in South Africa. SweepSouth cleaners, known as “SweepStars”, have full flexibility over their hours and availability, and benefit from pay rates significantly higher than the national minimum wage.

“We are ecstatic about the Naspers Foundry investment in SweepSouth, and believe the partnership will help us achieve our vision of expanding into other home services and growing beyond the South African market. We see ourselves as an emerging market-focused platform that aims to serve the many professionals who don’t have the time to source the services we provide, whilst also creating meaningful employment opportunities,” SweepSouth co-founder, Aisha Pandor said.

Bob van Dijk, Naspers Chief Executive, said: “We are excited to announce our first Naspers Foundry investment and to welcome SweepSouth to the Naspers family. We are inspired by entrepreneurs like Aisha and Alen who use innovative technology to improve people’s lives. We know what it takes to scale tech businesses, and the team is looking forward to working together with SweepSouth to help them do that.”

“Naspers Foundry is off to a good start and we aim to announce more backing for South African start ups in the coming months. We are excited about the potential technology has to improve people’s lives, and will also continue investing in our existing operations in South Africa, including Takealot, Superbalist, Mr D Food, OLX, Autotrader SA, Property24, and Media24.”