Lime Capital
Learn how capital markets work. Understand unit trusts, compare fund performance, and learn how to structure deals — from your first ETF to angel investments and private capital.
From first investment to deal structuring.
Learn to Invest
Understand unit trusts, ETFs, and how to build your first portfolio from as little as R500 a month.
ExploreCompare Funds
See how SA’s top unit trusts perform against global benchmarks over 10 years — real data, real context.
ExploreStructure Deals
SAFE notes, convertible loans, equity rounds — learn how startup investments are structured before you sign anything.
ExploreHow to start investing.
A beginner's guide to building wealth through unit trusts and ETFs — the two most accessible investment vehicles in South Africa.
What is a Unit Trust?
A unit trust pools money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio of assets. Professional fund managers make the investment decisions. You buy “units” which represent your share of the fund. Minimum investments can be as low as R500/month.
- Professionally managed
- Diversified across assets
- Regulated by FSCA
What is an ETF?
An Exchange-Traded Fund trades on the stock exchange like a share. It tracks an index (like the JSE Top 40 or S&P 500) and offers instant diversification at very low cost. You can buy ETFs through any stockbroker or investment platform.
- Low fees (TER often under 0.15%)
- Trades like a share on the JSE
- Instant diversification
Getting Started
Step 01
Choose a platform
Easy Equities, Satrix, Allan Gray, Coronation. Most let you start with as little as R500.
Step 02
FICA & verify
Complete KYC/FICA with your ID and proof of address. Usually done online in minutes.
Step 03
Pick your vehicle
Unit trust for managed investing, ETF for low-cost index tracking. Start with what matches your risk appetite.
Step 04
Set up a debit order
Consistency beats timing. Set up a monthly debit order and let compound interest do the work.
Key Concepts
Compound Interest
Earning returns on your returns. The earlier you start, the more powerful it becomes.
Diversification
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread across asset classes, sectors, and geographies.
Time in Market
Staying invested through ups and downs beats trying to time the market. Think decades, not days.
How SA's top funds stack up.
If you had invested R10,000 ten years ago, here's what it would be worth today across four of the most-watched investment vehicles in South Africa.
Growth of R10,000
10-year period · Illustrative data through Dec 2024
Returns are approximate annualized figures. S&P 500 in ZAR includes currency movement. Inflation based on ~5.2% avg SA CPI over 10 years.
The Time Value of Money
A Rand today is worth more than a Rand tomorrow. That's not a saying — it's a financial principle. Because of inflation, money loses purchasing power over time. The R10,000 you hold today will buy less next year, and significantly less in a decade.
In South Africa, inflation has averaged roughly 5.2% per year over the past decade. That means your R10,000 would need to grow to at least ~R16,500just to buy the same basket of goods it buys today. Anything below that line and you've actually lost real wealth — even if the number in your account went up.
This is why investment returns should always be measured against inflation, not against zero. A savings account paying 4% sounds positive — until you realise inflation is running at 5%. Your money grew, but your purchasing power shrank. That's the difference between a nominal return (the number) and a real return (what you can actually buy).
The Inflation Test
Did your investment beat inflation?
Real return verdict
The bottom line
If your investment isn't beating inflation, you're not growing wealth — you're slowly losing it. The red inflation line on the chart above is your real benchmark. Everything below it is a loss in disguise. Everything above it is genuine wealth creation.
Annualized Returns Comparison
| Fund / Index | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year | 10 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Allan GrayMulti-Asset High Equity | 14.2% | 11.8% | 9.6% | 9.2% |
CoronationMulti-Asset High Equity | 15.1% | 11.2% | 9.8% | 8.8% |
AG Money MktMoney Market | 8.4% | 7% | 6.3% | 6.2% |
JSE Top 40Equity Index | 9.8% | 9.5% | 10.1% | 8.5% |
S&P 500Equity Index (USD→ZAR) | 32.4% | 16.8% | 17.2% | 18.4% |
One of SA’s largest and most trusted balanced funds. Known for a contrarian, value-oriented investment style and long-term consistency.
A flagship South African balanced fund with one of the longest track records. Widely held in retirement funds and retail portfolios alike.
SA’s most recognised money market fund. Capital preservation with returns that track interest rates. Near-zero risk of losing money — the benchmark for “do nothing” investing.
The 40 largest companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange by market cap. Accessible through low-cost ETFs like the Satrix Top 40.
The 500 largest US-listed companies. In Rand terms, returns include both index growth and currency movement — the Rand weakened significantly over 10 years.
Important Disclaimer
All performance data shown is illustrative and based on approximate historical returns. Past performance is not indicative of future results. These figures are for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Always consult an authorised financial adviser before making investment decisions. Verify current data on the official fund fact sheets linked above. #ThisIsNotFinancialAdvice
Investors like you.
What South Africa's largest retail investment platform reveals about how everyday people actually invest. Data sourced from EasyEquities / Purple Group public filings and reports.
2.6M
Registered investors
R80.7B
Assets on platform
30
Median age
R5.2K
Avg half-year inflow
Top 10 Most-Held Investments
By portfolio weight across all EasyEquities accounts
How They Allocate
Platform-wide asset split
Most-Bought ETFs
Jan–Jun 2024 by value purchased
Satrix S&P 500
7yr People's ChoiceSatrix Nasdaq 100
Satrix Top 40
SA benchmarkThe best-performing accounts allocate 59% to ETFs and 75% hold tax-free savings accounts— primarily invested in S&P 500 trackers.
~40%
of holdings are in tech
Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, and Naspers dominate retail portfolios.
75%
of top performers hold TFSAs
The best-performing 1% invest primarily via tax-free savings accounts.
42%
female investors
Closing the gender gap — up from traditional industry averages of ~25%.
56%
joined via referral
Word of mouth drives more signups than any marketing campaign.
Source: Purple Group (JSE: PPE) FY2025 annual results, EasyEquities blog, Moneyweb, Daily Investor. Data reflects platform-wide trends and is for educational context only.
How startup investments work.
From angel rounds to Series A — understanding deal structures is essential for anyone looking to invest in high-growth ventures.
SAFE Note
Simple Agreement for Future Equity
An agreement where you invest money now in exchange for equity later, usually at a discount to the next funding round.
Convertible Note
A loan that converts to equity at a future funding round, with interest accruing. Similar to a SAFE but structured as debt.
Equity Round
Priced Round
Direct purchase of shares at an agreed valuation. The company issues new shares and you become a shareholder immediately.
Revenue-Based Financing
You invest capital in exchange for a percentage of future revenue until a return multiple is reached. No equity given up.
Glossary
Valuation Cap
Maximum company valuation at which your investment converts to equity.
Dilution
Reduction of your ownership percentage when new shares are issued.
Due Diligence
The investigation process before making an investment decision.
Term Sheet
A non-binding agreement outlining the key terms of an investment.
Cap Table
A table showing the ownership stakes, equity dilution, and value of equity in each round.
Liquidation Preference
Determines who gets paid first (and how much) when a company exits.
Before You Invest
- Never invest more than you can afford to lose entirely
- Diversify across multiple deals — most startups fail
- Understand every term in the agreement before signing
- Ask for references and speak to other investors in the deal
- Verify the company is registered (CIPC) and founders are who they say they are
Invest in Startups. Together.
For young professionals with a higher risk appetite — pool your capital with 4 others and invest in early-stage startups through our angel network.
5 Investors
R10,000 each
R50,000
Combined angel round investment
How It Works
Express Interest
Register your interest in joining an angel syndicate. No commitment required.
Get Matched
We match you with 4 other investors to form a 5-person syndicate.
Review Deals
Your syndicate reviews pre-vetted startup opportunities from our angel network.
Invest Together
Each member contributes R10,000 for a combined R50,000 angel round investment.
Access Angel Deals
Get into startup rounds typically reserved for investors with R50K+ minimums.
Shared Due Diligence
Five perspectives are better than one. Evaluate deals as a group with diverse expertise.
Portfolio Approach
Spread your risk across multiple startups instead of concentrating on a single bet.
Guided by Experience
Led by an active angel investor with direct access to SA’s startup ecosystem.
Limited to 30 founding syndicate members
Ready to back the next generation
of African startups?
Express your interest below. No commitment — we'll reach out with details on upcoming deals and how syndicates are structured.
#ThisIsNotFinancialAdvice · Angel investing carries significant risk including loss of capital.
Prefer Lower Risk?
Explore the Lehumo Community Trust
Not ready for angel investing? Lehumo pools community capital into regulated, diversified investment vehicles — from as little as your monthly contribution. No minimum check size needed.
Knowledge is the first
investment.
Whether you're buying your first ETF or evaluating a term sheet for a startup deal — we help you understand what you're getting into before you commit your capital.
#ThisIsNotFinancialAdvice · All content is for educational purposes only