Harnessing Innovation: How Telkom and Aions are elevating Black-owned tech startups
Through targeted investments and strategic guidance, Telkom’s FutureMakers and Aions Creative Technology are helping black-owned tech startups thrive and expand globally.
“We’re not just investors — we help these businesses grow and thrive daily.” — Mitchan Adams, founder and CEO, Aions Creative Technology
With an investment of R58m from Telkom, Aions Creative Technology is redefining the future of SA’s tech startup ecosystem by backing black-owned businesses. This initiative forms part of Telkom’s FutureMakers programme, which focuses on developing black tech entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable growth.
“The impact of FutureMakers is particularly felt among young, black, and women-owned businesses,” says Tshepo Phetla, Telkom’s head of business development. The partnership between Telkom and Aions is already yielding results, positioning startups for growth and larger venture capital investments.
Strategic Investment with a hands-on approach
Aions offers more than just financial support — it actively helps startups scale and succeed. “We are not just investors; we’re involved in day-to-day operations, helping these businesses expand and thrive,” says Mitchan Adams, founder and CEO of Aions. “Our goal is to increase the valuations of these startups within three years and exit with strong returns.”
Aions focuses its investments on black-owned tech startups in sectors such as fintech, edutech, health tech, gaming, e-commerce and cybersecurity. It has already invested in five startups this year, with two more deals expected before year-end. Some of the companies under its portfolio include Welo Health, Credipple, and Space Salad Studios.
Welo Health: A case study in growth
Welo Health, one of Aions’ most promising investments, provides on-demand healthcare services to insurers and corporations by digitally connecting clients with healthcare professionals. Initially struggling with cash flow, Welo has experienced significant growth under Aions’ mentorship and financial backing.
“Since partnering with Aions, our revenue has quadrupled, and we’ve expanded into markets in Botswana and the US,” says Zanele Matome, Welo’s Founder and CEO.
Welo has identified Amazon Health as a potential equity partner, a move that could drive long-term expansion and deliver significant returns to Aions investors in the event of a buyout. “Their work aligns with our commitment to social impact, particularly in providing healthcare to remote areas,” says Adams.
Credipple: Tapping global talent markets
Another standout investment, Credipple, is a talent marketplace that connects clients with reliable digital and creative professionals. It simplifies the hiring and management process by matching clients with vetted experts and managing administrative tasks, ensuring seamless collaboration.
Credipple recently expanded to Europe, joining Deputy President Paul Mashatile on networking visits to the United Kingdom where it attracted interest from diplomats and investors.
“Given Africa’s time zone advantages and English proficiency, the continent is a natural partner for global markets,” says Kgolo Lekoma, Credipple’s Co-founder and CEO. “Our platform enables African creatives to earn foreign currency while working remotely from home.”
Space Salad Studios: Gaming with purpose
Aions has also invested in Space Salad Studios, a game development company with a unique focus on social impact. The company creates games that address critical issues such as rhino poaching and energy policy in SA.
Titles such as HornNie and Doba Dash entertain while raising awareness about important social themes. The studio’s latest game, Hot Bunz, has gained traction on Steam, a major gaming platform.
“Space Salad is passionate about its artistic vision, but our partnership helps them balance creativity with commercial viability,” Adams notes. “By supporting their growth, we ensure they can continue developing impactful games that reach a wider audience.”
Conclusion: Building a sustainable tech ecosystem
Through its partnership with Aions Creative Technology, Telkom’s FutureMakers programme is making strategic investments in black-owned startups that offer both financial returns and social impact. Whether it's healthcare, digital talent platforms, or socially conscious gaming, these businesses exemplify the potential for sustainable growth in SA’s tech sector.
By offering both financial and operational support, Aions and Telkom are setting a new standard for enterprise development, ensuring that South African tech startups are not only surviving but thriving on the global stage.