Axel Nkadimeng – Founder & Partner, Transvaal VC

Axel Nkadimeng is the Founder and Managing Partner of Transvaal VC, a venture capital firm focused on mining and energy investments in South Africa. With over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and 9 years in alternative business finance, Axel leads the firm’s deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, and execution strategy. He began his finance career in 2016 as General Manager of Sikhulasonke, where he gained deep insight into SME funding models, before pivoting to mining venture capital in 2019.

David Hannay – Director of Archaus Capital

David Hannay is the Director of Archaus Capital, a joint-venture partner with Transvaal VC focused on investment and capital raising. With over 30 years of experience in venture building and fundraising, Dave leads investor relations and capital raising efforts, playing a pivotal role in connecting US private capital with high-growth local opportunities. His strategic insight and trusted networks form the backbone of Archaus Capital’s contribution to Transvaal VC’s expansion and investment mandate.

Sakhile – Associate-in-Training, Transvaal VC

Sakhile is an Associate-in-Training at Transvaal VC, currently undergoing hands-on development in deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio management, and deal execution. As part of Transvaal VC’s talent pipeline, he is being groomed to form the core of the firm’s future investment cluster. With a strong commitment to learning and strategic growth, Sakhile is on track to become an integral part of the investment team driving the next phase of Transvaal VC’s expansion.

Tshegofatso – VC Analyst-in-Training, Transvaal VC

Tshegofatso is an Investment Analyst-in-Training at Transvaal VC, responsible for supporting the firm’s investment decisions through in-depth analysis, financial modeling, and the drafting of investment memos. In addition to her core analytical work, she contributes to marketing efforts that support deal visibility and investor engagement. With a sharp analytical mind and growing expertise in venture capital, Tshegofatso is being positioned to evolve into a critical investment officer within the Transvaal VC team.

Chris Ainsworth – Geologist, Chris Ainsworth Consulting

Chris Ainsworth is a generalist geologist who provides technical due diligence support to the Transvaal VC team, with a focus on geological assessments, resource evaluation, and site validation. With a broad background across multiple commodities and mining jurisdictions, Chris plays a key advisory role in ensuring the geological soundness of potential investments. His expertise helps Transvaal VC make informed, risk-conscious decisions in the exploration and development stages of mining ventures.

Mark Mohring – Mining Engineer & Director, M3 Services

Mark Mohring is a seasoned mining engineer and the Director of M3 Mining Services, a specialist consultancy supporting mining startups and junior operations. He works closely with Transvaal VC, providing expert guidance on mine planning, production optimization, operational readiness, and technical due diligence. With a practical, solutions-oriented approach and deep experience across mining environments, Mark plays a vital role in shaping the technical foundations of early-stage mining ventures within the Transvaal VC portfolio.

A coal geologist with over 50 years of experience, specializes in coal exploration, resource estimation, and project management. With expertise across Southern Africa and international projects, he supports coal ventures with high-quality technical reporting and team collaboration, making him a key contributor to Transvaal VC's mining initiatives.

Amali is a seasoned engineer with expertise in energy infrastructure, mineral beneficiation, and industrial project development. She brings deep experience in evaluating coal, renewable energy, and power generation ventures, and offers technical insight into the feasibility of mineral processing across sectors like chrome, gold, and coal. At Transvaal VC, she advises on engineering and operational risks to ensure investments are technically sound and aligned with sustainable development goals.

A mining and real estate entrepreneur, Lethu Kheswa supports Transvaal VC through his transactional expertise in mining, commodities trading, and corporate real estate. As Founder and CEO of Falkhon Group, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to SME opportunities across mining, logistics, and property. His experience in coal, chrome, copper, and lithium markets enhances the firm's investment reach across South Africa’s junior mining sector.