The Old Mutual SMEgo Pitchathon is a leading entrepreneurship competition aimed at tackling the funding challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. With a total of R4.2 million in funding for 2025, up by more than R1 million from last year, it provides a great opportunity for startups in the ICT and financial services sectors.
SMEs form the backbone of South Africa’s economy, employing 80.5% of the country’s workforce. However, despite their significant contribution to employment and economic growth, these businesses consistently struggle to access adequate financing. The Old Mutual SMEgo Pitchathon addresses this challenge by providing not only funding but also access to business development resources through the SMEgo platform.
The objective of the Old Mutual Smego Pitchathon
The primary objective of the Old Mutual SMEgo Pitchathon is to bridge the financing gap that prevents promising SMEs from scaling their operations and reaching their full potential. This pitchathon is part of Old Mutual’s broader commitment to enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa.
The initiative specifically targets businesses in the ICT and financial services sectors as these industries have potential for innovation, scalability, and economic impact. The competition also serves as a platform for showcasing South African entrepreneurial talent, creating networking opportunities, and fostering collaboration within the business community.
Eligibility
- Applicants must subscribe to any SMEgo Plan with a minimum of R299 or above
- Business must be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission
- Must be minimum 51% black owned with valid BEE certificate
- ICT or Financial Services sectors only. Financial Services businesses must be registered with the relevant regulatory body
- Turnover of between R500,000 and R50 million per annum
- Business must have been operating for at least 6 months
- The business must not currently providing services to Old Mutual Limited or be an Old Mutual staff member
What does the Old Mutual Smego Pitchathon offer?
The 2025 edition of the Old Mutual SMEgo Pitchathon offers substantial rewards to successful participants:
Financial Reward
- Fourteen businesses will each receive R300,000 in cash funding
- Total prize pool of R4.2 million across all winners
- No equity requirements or repayment obligations
Business Development Support
- 12-month subscription to the Premium Plus SMEgo Plan for all winners
- Access to Old Mutual’s SMEgo business platform and tools
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
- Business development resources and training
Platform Access
The SMEgo platform provides winners with comprehensive business management tools, including financial management systems, marketplace access, and growth analytics that can help sustain and accelerate their business growth beyond the initial funding.
Smego Pitchathon Competition Process
The Old Mutual SMEgo Pitchathon follows a structured selection process designed to identify the most promising businesses:
Application Phase: Interested businesses submit detailed applications outlining their business model, growth plans, financial projections, and funding requirements.
Screening and Shortlisting: Applications undergo rigorous evaluation by industry experts and Old Mutual specialists who assess business viability, growth potential, and sector impact.
Pitch Battle: Finalists are invited to participate in the Pitch Battle, where they present their businesses to a panel of judges and compete for the available funding.
The 2024 Pitchathon edition saw ten businesses each win R300,000, with winners showcasing exceptional vision, creativity, and significant potential for impact.
To Apply:
Interested entrepreneurs should apply using this link.
Conclusion
The Old Mutual SMEgo Pitchathon represents a significant opportunity for ICT and financial services startups to access substantial funding without equity dilution or debt obligations. With R4.2 million in total funding available and comprehensive business development support, this initiative addresses both the immediate financial needs and long-term growth requirements of participating businesses.
Further Information
One of our objectives is to empower small businesses and startups by curating funding opportunities that we come across. Refer to this page for other opportunities.
While formal company registration is not always a prerequisite for accessing funding, it is crucial for formalised entities to maintain compliance. Lack of proper governance will completely hinder any prospects of funding. For guides and articles on governance, please refer to this section of our site.
