about us

we act discreetly, guided by
our core values and mutual
trust with ethics as our
moral compass

about us

we act discreetly, guided by
our core values and mutual
trust with ethics as our
moral compass

ACN Capital is a fund manager. We stand for agility and pride ourselves on being a responsive investment team specializing in the management of private equity and alternative asset investments. Our focus is to achieve superior returns by investing into businesses in sectors that fall within our core areas of expertise. Our operational focus extends across Southern Africa and Europe, where we seek out unique and innovative investment opportunities within privately-held companies that would appeal to ultra-high net worth investors. 

These investment prospects, at the same time, should also foster sustainable business growth and deliver lasting value to all stakeholders. We are selective when choosing investment partners and collaborate exclusively with those who would contribute unique and exceptional qualities. We base our decisions on a foundation of core values and mutual trust rather than rigid rules, with ethical conduct serving as our moral compass.

ACN Capital has a category II approved Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) license (No. 41196)
We are also a member of the South Africa Venture Capital Association (SAVCA)

at the helm

ACN Capital was founded and is headed by owner-manager Carl Neethling, a specialist private equity fund manager with a proven track record spanning two decades and diverse industry sectors. These include agriculture, food, healthcare, education, resources, and manufacturing. The firm stems from Acorn Private Equity, co-founded by Neethling, and underwent a rebranding following a buy-out from his previous non-executive partners.

Our core team is a cohesive unit with more than a decade of shared experience, and a wealth of knowledge from various sectors.

investment philosophy

ACN Capital offers bespoke investment opportunities, not only for a select group of investors, but also for specific institutions and funding partners to participate directly. This is done via tailored investment structures, ensuring effective and well-matched investment outcomes. The firm has a strategic approach when it comes to understanding, assessing, and managing various types of investment risks to protect capital, achieve financial goals, and enhance the overall risk-return profile of its investment portfolios. Our objective is not to eliminate all risk, but to find equilibrium between risk and return that will align with our investors’ financial goals and risk tolerance. Through effective risk management ACN Capital shields investments and reduces the likelihood of significant losses. This, in turn, contributes to more consistent, stable, and compelling investment results.

more than just investments

At the core of our management approach lies a deep commitment to fostering relationships, nurturing mutual trust, and implementing streamlined decision-making and administrative processes. ACN Capital is a firm where we as the fund manager sits with our investors and business owners, not around the conference table, but around the kitchen table where real work unfolds, and where progress is made. It is in this environment that we cultivate a habit of doing the right things for the right reasons, instead of doing it just to look good. Our investors entrust us with their capital not just as result of our expertise, but also because they like us, trust us, and due to the connection they share with us. Partnering with ACN Capital is not just a once-off event. It is an ongoing journey marked by building relationships, collaboration, continuous progress and, ultimately, the realisation of exceptional financial rewards. In the words of Carl Neethling, “You can rely on us. You can depend on us. It will be exclusive … and it will be exciting!”

partner with us

Are you looking to invest in our growing portfolio? Are you in search of a business partner to help unlock your business growth potential? If so, leave your details and we’ll contact you. 

Awarded
DEALMAKERS Catalyst
private equity
deal of the year
2019

Awarded
DEALMAKERS Catalyst
private equity
deal of the year
2021

Special Opportunities:
46.2% p.a
Agri & Food Fund:
23.3% P.A
Water, Resources
& Tech Fund
33.2% p.a.
AAF Fund:
Assets >R5BN
(Still operational)

Awarded
DEALMAKERS Catalyst
private equity
deal of the year
2019

Awarded
DEALMAKERS Catalyst
private equity
deal of the year
2021

Special Opportunities:
46.2% p.a
Agri & Food Fund:
23.3% P.A
Water, Resources & Tech Fund
33.2% p.a.
AAF Fund:
Assets >R5BN
(Still operational)
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