Tech Aways Podcast

Ephraim Modise
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  • TECHNOLOGY

Welcome to Tech Aways, a podcast that explores startups and technology in the Southern African region. techaways.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Addressing the racial disparities in South Africa's tech startup ecosystem

    2D AGO

    Addressing the racial disparities in South Africa's tech startup ecosystem

    Why do black tech startup founders get disproportionately less funding than their white counterparts in South Africa? It is a question that has faced the ecosystem for years, but one that is yet to be addressed or even discussed in the mainstream via LinkedIn or at ecosystem events. But Ntsako Mgiba, founder and CEO of the Darkies in Tech community, is actively working to change that. Founded in February 2021, Darkies in Tech was founded out of the frustration that Ntsako experienced as a black founder when navigating the ecosystem. Realising that there was a lack of representation of people like him, he took it upon himself to create a safe space and community for black founders like him. In this episode, he discusses the early days of navigating the white-dominated SA tech startup space, the role that communities like Darkies in Tech play in advocating for equity in the ecosystem, and the challenges faced in that mission. He also touches on the wins that Darkies in Tech has achieved and what the future holds! You can visit the Darkies in Tech website to learn more and connect with Ntsako on LinkedIn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techaways.substack.com

    52 min
  2. The state of cybersecurity in 2026

    FEB 9

    The state of cybersecurity in 2026

    For most companies, cybersecurity is not something that is discussed at the board level, but is often relegated to underfunded and underequipped IT teams. This is even though a serious cyberbreach could have detrimental financial and operational consequences. In this conversation with Tony, he outlines the findings from ESET’s latest H2 2025 Threat Report, which flagged phishing as the most prominent cybersecurity concern. He also dives into several issues, including the impact of AI and crypto on cybersecurity, why there is a lack of talent in the sector, some tips to avoid the most common risks and the role that regulation can play in tackling cybersecurity challenges. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techaways.substack.com

    42 min
  3. Inside Livestock Wealth's growth as a "crowd farming" platform

    FEB 2

    Inside Livestock Wealth's growth as a "crowd farming" platform

    How do you run a business when you are under investigation by South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) for two years? This was the predicament faced by South African agritech startup Livestock Wealth when it became the subject of an investigation by the FSCA in January 2024. Two years later, according to Livestock Wealth CEO Ntuthuko Shezi, the investigation has completed with a positive outcome for the company, and he is ready to chart the next wave of growth for the company. Shezi also shares more on the investigation process, the lessons he learnt, and much more! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techaways.substack.com

    34 min
  4. How to build a venture scalable startup in South Africa

    JAN 26

    How to build a venture scalable startup in South Africa

    How much equity should you allocate to a co-founder and first hires? Is it easier to build a B2B or B2C startup in South Africa? Should you be trying raise from local or international investors? Is an IPO a realistic path to exit in South Africa? There are some of the questions that founders ask themselves every day as they navigate the complexities of building a venture-scalable company in South Africa. Answers to these questions play a large part in who becomes a successful company or joins the 90% stat of startups which fizzle out within three years of operations. This week’s guest is well placed to answer these questions. Clive Butkow boast almost four decades of experience across corporate South Africa, as COO of Accenture, and then as a VC, first at Kalon Venture Partners and then at Conducive Capital. As an angel investor, Clive has invested in numerous companies which have collectively seen more than $100 million in revenue. You can connect with Clive on LinkedIn and check out more of Tech Aways here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techaways.substack.com

    51 min
  5. Six SA startups to watch in 2026

    JAN 19

    Six SA startups to watch in 2026

    As we get 2026 fully underway, which startups in South Africa should you have an eye on as an ecosystem stakeholder? Stephen Timm wrote about six startups he will be keeping an eye on and joins the podcast to explain his selection. Some of what we discussed: * The rationale for picking the startups * Which SA tech startup hub is the most exciting * Why SA startups looking at external markets for growth avenues * How to address SA’s regulatory hurdles Check out Stephen’s musings here and connect with him on LinkedIn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techaways.substack.com

    42 min
  6. Tech in SA: 2025 wrapped & 2026 unwrapped

    JAN 1

    Tech in SA: 2025 wrapped & 2026 unwrapped

    What were some of the biggest tech stories in South Africa in 2025, and what does 2026 have in store? The brilliant Lindsey Schutters breaks it all down. What you can expect: * Starlink’s licensing fiasco in South Africa * The digital bank battle royale and how it will evolve * The scramble for stablecoins Read Lindsey’s reporting here and connect with him on Linkedin. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techaways.substack.com

    37 min
  7. Is Starlink getting special treatment in South Africa?

    12/16/2025

    Is Starlink getting special treatment in South Africa?

    The first episode (or is it the pilot?) of the Tech Aways podcast explores the latest in the Starlink vs South Africa saga. What you can expect: * Overview of how we got here * Why the licensing issue has dragged on * What do Elon’s politics have to do with the delay * What will likely happen next References: Daily Maverick: “Why Malatsi believes bypassing BEE rules for Starlink is good for SA” Tech Aways: “Starlink’s Mzansi Entry Has Long Been Coming” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit techaways.substack.com

    10 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Welcome to Tech Aways, a podcast that explores startups and technology in the Southern African region. techaways.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Ephraim Modise
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ephraim Modise
  • Show Website
    Tech Aways Podcast