Naspers – Inspiring Journey of South Africa company to become the largest technology investor in the world

South African companies are rarely the topic of discussion in the business world. However, it is untrue in the case of Naspers. Being one of the largest technology investors on the earth, Naspers is also a well-known internet and entertainment group in the world. Founded in 1915, the firm is responsible for building dozens of companies, directly or indirectly. Yes, it’s true! Today, dozens of companies are out there that Naspers has either invested, built, or acquired. Thus, many of us use the products and services from such firms that are linked somehow with Naspers. The firm is also listed on London Stock Exchanges and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. As well, it’s well-known in the global market as a long-term growth potential investor.

Naspers evolution of the business

Established to print Dutch newspapers in South Africa, Naspers has seen lots of structural and functional changes since 1915. Well, it is not easy to stand out for such a long period with the continuous growth that Naspers has achieved. Looking at the evolution of the Naspers’ business, one can notice how steadfastly it has risen as a global entertainment group. Started from producing a Dutch language newspaper, it then entered in book publications in the middle of the 1920s. While it maintained and grew the business in the same field for more than 50 years. However, this helped Naspers to become one of the leading media groups in the African region. Thereafter, it entered the Pay TV business in 1985. Meanwhile, at the beginning of 2001, the firm offered investment in Tencent Holdings. From that time, it marked the beginning of its rise as the leading entertainment and internet group in the world.

Investments and Acquisitions

Knowing the importance and future of the Edtech platform, Naspers invested in Udemy and Codecademy in 2016. Prior to that, it has also acquired majority shares in OLX to kick start the global online classifieds business segment. As well, the firm has an 80 million dollars investment in Swiggy, the online food delivery platform. In fact, it became the largest shareholder after investing in Delivery Hero. Moreover, Naspers is also active in the B2C eCommerce segment with the acquisition of Allegro, which later on disinvested for 3.253 billion dollars.

Naspers Foundry- Helping hand for South African Entrepreneurs

Naspers helped in growing the business of many leading firms those services used by millions of people on daily basis. However, it is also helping thousands of newbie entrepreneurs with its Naspers Foundry. Its an initiative started to helped skilled and ambitious entrepreneurs of South Africa. Keeping in mind the importance of local businesses, the company offers funds and knowledge to assist them succussed. The ultimate aim of this initiative is to boost the economy of the country. Thus, this initiative mostly preferred black-owned start-ups in the region.

Companies build by Naspers

The firm is best known for investing in various sectors across the world. Prosus is one such group supported by the company. It is among the largest technology investors in the world. Best known as a strategic investor, Prosus focuses on building high-tech companies based on long-term value creation. Consequently, contributing to improving the daily lives of people in a high-growth market.

Another firm Media24 is working in publication and is known as the leading media group in Africa. However, it is also working to build digital media and eCommerce business based on the evolving requirements of the field. Apart from that, Naspers also has a presence as an e-commerce retailer through its company Takealot. It is also the largest e-commerce retailer in southern Africa known for its customer-centric online shopping platform. Mr. D Food, PayU, Superbalist, Autotrader, OLX, and Property24 are some of the companies that operate under Naspers.

Naspers at Present 

Set up in 1915, the firm has transformed into one of the largest tech investors in the world. Over the years, it has also become a global consumer internet company. Apart from investing and building several global firms, Naspers always helped the South-African community in many ways. Like its Naspers Foundry, the firm has started Naspers Labs in 2019. Through this, the company is offering another helping hand towards South African Youths. An unemployed South African youngster between 17 to 25 ages, hailing from low-income families, and urban setting will be beneficiated through this program.

Bob Van Dijk – CEO

Presently, Bob Van Dijk is serving as CEO at Naspers since 2014. He joined the firm as Chief financial officer at Allegro in 2013. Within a year, Bob got promoted to the chief executive officer at Naspers. Graduated in MSc econometrics, he also holds an MBA from INSEAD. Dijk started his career at McKinsey & Company, and presently counted among well-experienced personnel in online growth of business and management.