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The Conference for Visionary Leaders

Counder Conference is the gathering of visionary leaders to explore tomorrow’s most important opportunities together.

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27–29 January 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
27–29 January 2026
Cape Town, South Africa
People outside at Counder Conference

Supported by world-class organisations, global leaders gain shared experiences and insights in a stunning, natural environment - creating a uniquely trusted, connected and collaborative exchange.

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People outside at Counder Conference
500+ Investors Be Part of Counder
People outside at Counder Conference
1 Target Collaborating on tomorrow's most important opportunities Be Part of Counder

The Why

Two people shaking hands

Counder's community acknowledges that today's world is in constant flux. With the rise of AI, new mega cities and regions like the Middle East, there is one thing that has never been more important: Trusted connections that enable collaboration across the world for positive developments. It is this trust that Counder and its world-class partner organisations thrive to establish at the flagship Counder Conference and beyond.

Through in-person meetings, truly open and unfiltered exchange and deeply rooted insights, authentic links for real progress are established.

Deliberately choosing Cape Town, as our yearly conference's host city, Counder is inviting global decision-makers to a new space of international relevance in the global South.

Counder's vision is to be the foremost global network for visionary leaders to collaborate on tomorrow's most important opportunities.

The Who

People having a talk

By invitation/application-only, Counder Conference brings together a carefully selected collective of visionary leaders & world-class organisations. They embody a forward-thinking mindset, a commitment to collaborative exploration, and a drive for measurable impact.

We unite leaders from across industries and disciplines unlike any other conference. This rich diversity of perspectives creates the ideal environment for breakthrough thinking and cross-sector collaboration.

Leaders & Organisations at Counder are characterised by:

  • Forward-Looking Mindset
  • Significant Capital or Impact
  • Proven Excellence and Vision
  • Impact-Driven Attitude
  • Community-Centric Philosophy
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Visionary Leaders at Counder Conference 2026

Nick Ackerman

Nick Ackerman

Partner, Lionhead Capital Partners

Michael Jordaan

Michael Jordaan

Founder & CEO, Montegray Capital | Venture Capitalist

Karl Westvig

Karl Westvig

CEO, TymeBank | Private Investor

Aguil Deng

Aguil Deng

Corporate Philanthropy Africa, Bloomberg

Ido Sum

Ido Sum

Partner, TLcom Capital

Tanja Werheit

Tanja Werheit

Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Cape Town

Andrew da Costa

Andrew da Costa

Co-founder and Partner, The Intrepid.

Dr. Jonathan Doerr

Dr. Jonathan Doerr

Partner, Antler

Dr. Oliver Merkel

Dr. Oliver Merkel

Founder & Managing Director, Flink SE | Private Investor

André Kanya

André Kanya

Founding Partner, w3.fund

Joshin Raghubar

Joshin Raghubar

CEO, iKineo Ventures

James Boardman

James Boardman

Founder, Grey Heron Venture Partners

Manuel Koser

Manuel Koser

Co-Founder & Managing Director, Silvertree Brands

Hans Otterling

Hans Otterling

Partner, Norrsken22

Tom Boardman

Tom Boardman

Investor | Non-Executive Director, African Rainbow Capital & TymeBank

Caroline Greyling

Caroline Greyling

Museum Director, Norval Foundation

Visionary Leaders at Counder Conference 2025

Kuseni Dlamini

Kuseni Dlamini

Chairman, Massmart Holdings & Aspen Pharmaceuticals

Ryan Rockefeller

Ryan Rockefeller

CEO & Co-Founder, Rising Tide Energy | Private Investor

Melvyn Lubega

Melvyn Lubega

Partner, Breega | Technology Entrepreneur & Investor

Shola Akinlade

Shola Akinlade

Co-Founder & CEO, Paystack | Private Investor

Sherine Kabesh

Sherine Kabesh

Co-Founder, Flash | Private Investor

Fedor Holz

Fedor Holz

EPT & WPT Champion | Private Investor

Raphael Strauch

Raphael Strauch

Founder, Token2049 | Technology Investor

Christoph Zoeller

Christoph Zoeller

CEO, Instaffo | Private Investor

Claudia Zeisberger

Claudia Zeisberger

Professor of Entrepreneurship & Family Enterprise, INSEAD

2026 Verticals & Topics

AI's Global Inflection Point
Artificial Intelligence AI's Global Inflection Point
Artificial Intelligence AI's Global Inflection Point

Artificial Intelligence is transforming how decisions are made, strategies are built, and systems evolve. Counder and our partners explore the frontiers of ethical design, applied intelligence, and long-term investment, spotlighting tools and ideas that reshape industries and expand human potential. At Counder Conference, we uncover where AI meets ethical innovation, new investment frontiers, and global impact offering unparalleled opportunity for visionary investors seeking long-term value.

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Emerging Regions, Rising Influence
Emerging Markets Emerging Regions, Rising Influence
Emerging Markets Emerging Regions, Rising Influence

Regional ecosystems are driving innovation, capital formation, and new models of growth. Counder and our partners bring global investors into direct conversation with market leaders and builders, sharing insights, surfacing opportunity, and deepening long-term engagement.

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Security as a Global Imperative
Cybersecurity Security as a Global Imperative
Cybersecurity Security as a Global Imperative

Digital resilience is shaping the next chapter of global stability. Counder and our partners convene the people and platforms defining cyber architecture, exploring how defence systems, secure networks, and digital identity are being reimagined for the age ahead.

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Powering the World, Sustainably
Energy Powering the World, Sustainably
Energy Powering the World, Sustainably

Energy systems are becoming more decentralised, intelligent, and inclusive. Counder and our partners highlight the leaders, projects, and technologies redefining how power is generated, distributed, and financed — advancing both climate goals and infrastructure access.

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Finance & Assets Without Borders
Crypto & Web3 Finance & Assets Without Borders
Crypto & Web3 Finance & Assets Without Borders

Digital assets are reshaping global financial infrastructure. Counder, along with our partners, examine the evolution of token systems, decentralised platforms, and digitally native trust, laying new foundations for investment, liquidity, and economic participation.

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Redefining the Human Lifespan
Longevity & Health Redefining the Human Lifespan
Longevity & Health Redefining the Human Lifespan

Breakthroughs in science, wellness, and care are transforming health into a strategic domain. Counder and our partners surface ideas and investments across biotech, personalised medicine, and long-term wellbeing shaping the future of how people live, age, and thrive.

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The Rise of Individual Capital
New Media The Rise of Individual Capital
New Media The Rise of Individual Capital

Digital creators are building scalable, investable businesses rooted in influence and identity. Counder and our partners explore the structures supporting content ownership, community-building, and direct monetisation — as individual capital becomes a force across industries.

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Cities of Tomorrow
Urbanisation Cities of Tomorrow
Urbanisation Cities of Tomorrow

Urban growth is becoming an engine of innovation. Counder and our partners investigate how infrastructure, housing, governance, and design are evolving to support dense, inclusive, and climate-smart living, as capital and leadership shape the next generation of cities.

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Investing in the Planet
Climate & Nature Investing in the Planet
Climate & Nature Investing in the Planet

Nature-based finance is growing into a core domain of global investment. Counder, along with our partners, explore regenerative systems, biodiversity strategies, and aligned policy frameworks —all designed to advance measurable environmental outcomes and build long-term value.

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Backing the Bold Beyond Borders
Venture Capital Backing the Bold Beyond Borders
Venture Capital Backing the Bold Beyond Borders

Venture capital is expanding its reach into dynamic, under-explored markets. Counder, along with our partners, highlight the funders and founders shaping the next generation of companies grounded in resilience, innovation, and local leadership with global ambition.

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Experience as Investment
Hospitality & Tourism Experience as Investment
Hospitality & Tourism Experience as Investment

The travel and hospitality sector is evolving through technology, sustainability, and culture-driven experiences. Counder, along with our partners, explore how destinations and operators are attracting capital through immersive models and responsible infrastructure.

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Leaders Who Don't Wait
The Next Generation of Leaders Leaders Who Don't Wait
The Next Generation of Leaders Leaders Who Don't Wait

A new generation of leaders is stepping into influence through entrepreneurship, advocacy, and innovation. Counder, along with our partners, profile those shaping future industries and institutions — and the investors aligning early with their vision.

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The Business of Play
Sports & New Leagues The Business of Play
Sports & New Leagues The Business of Play

Sport is becoming a sophisticated investment class at the intersection of culture, media, and technology. Counder, along with our partners, curate perspectives on new leagues, athlete-led ventures, and digitally enabled experiences expanding how value and influence are built through play.

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Soon…
Coming Soon…
Coming Soon…

Together with our partners, we’re shaping the frontier of thought and opportunity. Contribute your edge, define what’s next, and engage a visionary community. Be a partner of Counder.

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Selected Partners 2025

  • carlsquare logo
  • cnbc-africa logo
  • norrsken logo
  • ringier logo
  • schauenburg logo

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At Counder, we know true progress thrives at the intersection of trusted connections, groundbreaking insights, and immersive experiences. We unite visionary leaders from around the world to explore tomorrow's most important opportunities together.

Our Collective fosters exclusive collaborations, strategic co-investments, and impactful outcomes. Whether you're a visionary investor seeking new frontiers or a leading pioneer in your field, you're invited to be a part of Counder. Together, let's shape the future and build a legacy that resonates across generations.

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Artistic t-shirts

Beyond Words: The Atmosphere in Pictures

Refreshments at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People at a lecture
People at a lecture
Plate with delicious Food at Counder Conference
Inside view of Counder Conference
People shaking hands at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference
People outside chatting at Counder Conference

FAQs

What is Counder Conference?

Counder Conference is our annual highlight— the full gathering of visionary leaders to explore tomorrow's most important opportunities together. Supported by world-class organisations, global leaders gain shared experiences and insights in a stunning, natural environment - creating a uniquely trusted, connected and collaborative exchange. It's where big ideas are born, trusted connections are made, and collaborative action on tomorrow's most important opportunities begins.

It is located in Cape Town not out of chance, but because: what better city to represent the future?

What does it cost to attend Counder Conference?

Counder Conference is FREE to attend but by invitation or application only. We curate every participant to ensure alignment with our mission and maintain the integrity of our community. While attendance is free, we welcome those who want to contribute to support Counder as Mission Partners (contributing to our network growth) or Equity Partners (investing in our long-term impact). This approach removes financial barriers while reinforcing our commitment to building a collaboration-driven, high-trust network focused on shaping the future—together.

Where and when does the conference take place?

The 2026 edition of our flagship Conference will be held from 27-29 January in Cape Town, South Africa. For more information about what to expect at the Conference, please visit www.counder.com/conference.

Why is the conference held in Cape Town?

Cape Town's unique position as an emerging city of the future driven by its blend of innovation, natural beauty, and cultural richness makes it the perfect base for Counder and our conference—inspiring creativity and connection.

What can attendees expect at the conference?

Participants immerse themselves in dynamic discussions, forge high-level connections, and experience curated networking activities that spark collaboration.

Where can attendees stay during the conference?

The conference venues are in different locations and easily reachable from various great Cape Town hotels.


Recommended Hotels

One & Only Cape TownWaterfront5 stars
Ellerman HouseBantry Bay5 stars
Mount NelsonGardens (CBD)5 stars
The Silo HotelWaterfront5 stars
Alphen Boutique Hotel & SpaConstantia5 stars
Cape Grace HotelWaterfront5 stars
Dorp HotelBo-Kaap5 stars
Labotessa Luxury Boutique HotelCBD5 stars
POD Camps BayCamps Bay5 stars
Steenberg Hotel & SPATokai5 stars
Camps Bay RetreatCamps Bay4 stars
O'Two Boutique HotelMouille Point4 stars
Protea Fire & IceCBD4 stars
Radisson RED Cape Town V&A WaterfrontWaterfront4 stars
The Winchester MansionsSea Point4 stars
Vineyard HotelConstantia4 stars

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Video of Counder Conferernce 2025

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