Philip Kiracofe brings two decades of direct operational and venture financing experience spanning a diverse range of industries across three continents. He has co-founded, led, advised and invested in disruptive companies including a pioneer online grocery service company, two venture capital funds, the first large-scale social networking site, and a New York-based property development firm. He helped bring world-class accelerators to Africa, and is the CEO and co-founder of Startupbootcamp Afritech. He has accelerated and/or invested in more than 50 African startups since 2013.

In 2004, he co-founded Horizen Ventures which signed an exclusive partnership deal in 2006 with SoftBank China & India Holdings(SBCI). SBCI made 28 investments and Horizen Ventures’ portfolio grew to 12 companies, 5 of which were co-investments with SBC. In 2009, he founded Horizen Partners to incubate and advise audacious projects promoting innovation, adventure and sustainability. Notable projects include Quigler (transparency for real estate transactions), WhereIsMyTransport (informal transport solutions for governments and operators), and MTBAyiti (mountain bike stage race to promote eco tourism in Haiti). He has advised numerous South African start-ups through the LeanIterator.com methodology. He also co-founded the Failure Club and co-hosted an award-winning web series in collaboration with Morgan Spurlock.

In his leisure time, Philip’s interests range from adventure and endurance events to wine. He has summited Mt Kilimanjaro, completed two Ironman triathlons and the Comrades Marathon. Philip attended the United States Air Force Academy, where he studied Computer Science and Behavioral Science. He currently lives with his wife and two daughters in Cape Town.