Our History
Our success is rooted in our founding principle of backing exceptional people first and their ideas second.
This has borne a multi-decade legacy of private equity investments which have generated meaningful returns for all stakeholders. Longevity and prosperity underpin the many businesses we’ve created on account of the industry-leaders we’ve partnered with.
Our origins stem from Capricorn Ventures, established in 1995 to strategically create investment capacity within the Hollard Insurance Group. Our founding team worked with innovative entrepreneurs and management to build substantial businesses including Nando’s, Clientele and Baobab Solid Growth. They grew Hollard from a small insurer into the third-largest player in the South African market.
In 2003, Capricorn Capital Partners was established as a standalone entity by private investment group Yellowwoods and several integral members of the Capricorn Ventures team. An owner-managed investment business, Capricorn’s strategic focus from the outset was to take advantage of the burgeoning private equity market.
What We Do
Capricorn is an owner-managed investment business focused on private equity.
In 2017, our record of successful investments attracted a well-respected strategic shareholder in the Ellerine Group. Capricorn has acquired and advised on the acquisition of shares in a diverse portfolio of both private and public companies, contributing to a highly lauded investment track record.
Capricorn has played a key role in establishing and growing numerous businesses through our investments in asset management, lending, insurance, retail and industrial investment holding companies. We have strategically narrowed our focus to the financial services sector in recent years.
Our Philosophy
We believe in supporting talented people who demonstrate advanced sector expertise, pioneering thinking and a value set that aligns with our own.
Our slogan Partnership Investing speaks to our tradition of working hand-in-hand with the leaders of our investment businesses in a shared pursuit for greater value for all Capricorn stakeholders.
We insist that our family values of honesty, integrity and humility underpin every interaction that represents our organisation as a whole.
What We Do
Capricorn is an owner-managed investment business focused on private equity.
In 2017, our record of successful investments attracted a well-respected strategic shareholder in the Ellerine Group. Capricorn has acquired and advised on the acquisition of shares in a diverse portfolio of both private and public companies, contributing to a highly lauded investment track record.
Capricorn has played a key role in establishing and growing numerous businesses through our investments in asset management, lending, insurance, retail and industrial investment holding companies. We have strategically narrowed our focus to the financial services sector in recent years.
Our Philosophy
We believe in supporting talented people who demonstrate advanced sector expertise, pioneering thinking and a value set that aligns with our own.
Our slogan Partnership Investing speaks to our tradition of working hand-in-hand with the leaders of our investment businesses in a shared pursuit for greater value for all Capricorn stakeholders.
We insist that our family values of honesty, integrity and humility underpin every interaction that represents our organisation as a whole.
Our Vision & Guiding Principles
A platform for future generations.
Through our partnerships with people who share our family values, who inspire us to pioneer new territories and with whom we share the rewards of our victories and the lessons from our failures; we continue to create ongoing value for our stakeholders.
Capricorn’s vision is to augment the lives of all its current and future stakeholders through this ongoing creation of value. Our mission is to ensure the development of a platform for future generations to fulfil their commercial and altruistic ambitions.
Guided by our fundamental principle of creating an environment of thoughtful communication, transparency and trust, we adhere to a core set of unwavering values:
Our Core Values
Self-Awareness
We take our business and investments seriously but not ourselves
Integrity
We pride ourselves on behaving with honesty, humility and professionalism always
People-First
The most important assets in our lives are our families and our friendships
Prosperity
Our stakeholder’s holistic wellbeing should be at the forefront of all our decisions
Collectivity
We seek to add value through collaboration, industry acumen and through our partners
Longevity
Our partnerships are long-term; we celebrate shared rewards and learn from shared failures