In the world of venture capital, where innovation meets investment, trailblazers like Tando Matanda are carving paths that not only elevate businesses but also foster inclusivity. As a serial entrepreneur with experience at Boston Consulting Group and a background in venture capital, Tando’s journey into the investment realm was driven by the very challenges she faced as an entrepreneur. ‘With less than one percent of all VC professionals being Black women, it was clear that my lack of knowledge partly stemmed from there being no one like me in the space at the time,’ she reflects.
This realisation fueled Tando’s determination to become the first African-Australian woman to build and launch a multi-million dollar corporate VC vehicle. Her commitment to empowering underrepresented founders has since opened doors for many seeking capital and mentorship.
The VC Catalyst Experience
Tando’s decision to participate in Wade Institute’s VC Catalyst was motivated by her desire to deepen her understanding of the Australian VC market and expand her network within Victoria’s dynamic ecosystem. With a line-up of speakers from Australia and across the world, Tando found the sessions challenging, exciting, and well-facilitated.
‘Wade’s program stood out as an excellent avenue to gain both key learnings and branch out my network,’ she says.
The insights gained from VC Catalyst have been instrumental in shaping Tando’s approach to venture capital and driving meaningful impact. Reflecting on her experience, Tando highlights the importance of diversity in fostering lively debates and emphasises the need for inclusivity in the industry. She believes accommodating individuals from outside the investing world is crucial, as they bring fresh perspectives and are eager to contribute meaningfully.
Birth of Musa: A Tool for Transformative Change
Building on her learnings from VC Catalyst, Tando co-founded Musa, a venture health assessment, recommendation and tracking platform, with her mother, Professor Margaret Matanda. Designed specifically for tech-enabled small to medium enterprises (SME), Musa acts as a bridge between entrepreneurs and financiers, closing the information gap that often hinders the growth of startups. ‘Think of it as a combination of Whoop and a Bloomberg terminal, but specifically for SME and startup entrepreneurs,’ Tando explains.
Musa is a game-changer, offering vital benchmarks that help entrepreneurs build healthier, more fundable businesses. By providing advanced analytics and an intelligent dashboard, the platform guides entrepreneurs on the path to investment success. For financiers, Musa enhances the quality of their pipeline and improves the overall health of their portfolio businesses.
Diversity is a cornerstone of Tando’s vision for the startup and VC ecosystem. She recognises the significant barriers female and minority entrepreneurs face in accessing opportunities and obtaining reliable information. To address this, Tando advocates for expanding engagement with diverse networks, hosting inclusive events and providing clear, accessible information about the funding process and criteria.
The Thrill of VC
For Tando, VC investing is the ultimate treasure hunt. The thrill of discovering great businesses that can profoundly impact the world and generate substantial returns keeps her motivated.
‘Great businesses are everywhere. Our job, like any great explorer, is to scour the globe to find those diamonds in the rough,’ she says.
Looking ahead, Tando is keenly focused on empowering entrepreneurs to build healthier, more fundable businesses. Her experiences at VC Catalyst continues to inform her approach, allowing her to make a meaningful impact in the world of venture capital.
