Investment Partner

Sihle Gumede

Sihle joined Sanari as one of the team’s senior investment executives in 2020. She has over 9 years of private equity experience, another 7 years in corporate finance and an aggregate 20 years in financial services. Prior to joining Sanari, Sihle ran her own business advising companies on financial strategies and fundraising readiness, gaining invaluable entrepreneurial experience and exposure to companies seeking to scale.

Sihle began her private equity career at Convergence Partners where she gained extensive technology and telecom experience in transactions across a number of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, Malawi, Cameroon, Kenya and others. Prior to this, Sihle worked in the Corporate Finance division at Investec Bank where she was involved in a number of Mergers & Acquisition transactions, capital raisings and BEE transactions across difference sectors.

Sihle started her career as a trainee accountant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, gaining both local and US experience across sectors.

Sihle is a Chartered Accountant and member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. She led Sanari’s investment in iiDENTIFii and serves on their board.

Get to know Sihle better…

I always seek to make a positive difference for a more equitable world where every person has a chance at success regardless of their starting point. I’ve been able to pursue my passion even in the world of hardcore finance, allowing me to combine my trade with my passion. This led me to being part of a team that values courage and passion and applies these values to the way it conducts its business.

Being part of a majority-women run and led team is also a bonus!

I look for the perfect balance between a sound business case and purpose, guided by diverse and driven management teams. I draw on my experiences in the professional environment over many years in different geographies and from my personal experiences having travelled widely, to recognise current and future value in businesses.