I live in the largest man-made forest in the world, Johannesburg, or eGoli (city of gold) as it is known among indigenous people in South Africa.

 

Started my career in investment banking at Genbel Investments, the first country fund in South Africa with a portfolio focused in mining & resources and tech intensive companies.

 

Launched Southgro Investor Relations in 1994, servicing companies in ICTE, mining and healthcare on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

 

In 2005, I launched the first biopartnering conference for the life sciences industry in South Africa, LIFEsparks. Showcased more than 40 biotech startups to the local and international health care and biosciences investment community and big pharma.

 

In 2006, launched Rapid Technologies, which co-develops and offers a variety of high quality low priced rapid diagnostic tests and supporting devices for monitoring human and animal health, as well as tests for food safety, soil, water and air quality, plant pathogens as well as for forensic or health & safety use in the workplace, delivering highly accurate results in just minutes.

 

The focus falls on affordable, primary health care or solutions to address environmental ills in Africa.

 

Trading on the Internet as www.rapidtechnologies.biz .

  

Trading on the Internet as www.rapiddiscovery.biz .

  

I am pro-actively involved in building science capacity in southern Africa, and have created various free forums to promote scientific collaboration, responsible development, and environmental awareness.

 

The LIFEsparks biopartnering social escience forum aims to boost the commercial success of Southern African initiatives and start-up companies focused the life sciences sector (biotechnology and medical devices), vis-a-vis allowing participants to share ideas, knowledge and to present their business and or investment opportunities to potential partners and funders.

 

Trading on the Internet as www.lifesparks.co.za .

 

My company is called Spindle Communications, specialising in public relations, investor relations, media relations and event management.

 

Trading on the Internet as www.spindlecommunications.com