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South African tech-driven logistics startup Breaze Delivery has raised $1.23 million (R20 million) from the Vumela Enterprise Development Fund, a long-standing partnership between FNB Business Banking and small business development specialist Edge Growth.
The investment will support the company’s next phase of growth, including the scaling of its technology platform, extension of its driver network, and broader geographic expansion to meet rising demand from SME customers and retail partners.
“We’re excited to partner with Vumela as we enter the next phase of Breaze’s growth. Vumela’s investment, combined with the strength of their team and ecosystem of portfolio companies, will help accelerate our mission of building modern delivery infrastructure for South Africa’s fast-growing SME economy,” said Braden Snyman, co-founder of Breaze Delivery.
Founded in 2021 by entrepreneurs Avi Maja and Snyman, Breaze Delivery offers customised, on-demand and same-day delivery solutions to SMEs across South Africa. Leveraging a network of flexible drivers and live tracking technology, the company is working to strengthen the local supply chain while positioning itself as a scalable quick commerce partner for retailers and brands nationwide.
The investment is part of Vumela’s continued mandate to back high-growth, scalable small and medium enterprises that are building solutions to address structural inefficiencies in the South African economy.
Since FNB and Edge Growth partnered through the Vumela Enterprise Development Fund over 15 years ago, they have been working to address the “missing middle” in SME funding. The businesses too large for early-stage finance, but not yet ready for traditional institutional investment have found themselves left out. While Vumela filled this gap, it has now evolved into a broader ecosystem combining growth capital with hands-on operational support, business diagnostics, strategic mentorship, and long-term partnership.
In a blog post, Edge Growth confirmed that the Vumela Fund has financed over $35.61 million (R580 million) in growth capital for South African small and medium-sized businesses, with this latest investment representing a further addition to its portfolio.
“Vumela is pleased to support Breaze Delivery as part of our commitment to backing innovative, high-growth SMEs that are reshaping critical sectors of the economy,” said Mike Sage, Head of Investment Capital at FNB and Vumela Trustee.
He added, “Breaze represents the type of scalable, technology-driven business that can deliver meaningful economic impact through improved efficiency, job creation and SME enablement.”
Jessica Blake, Associate Principal at Edge Growth, said, “This investment reflects the vital role that dynamic, high-growth SMEs play in South Africa’s development. By scaling their operations, businesses like Breaze Delivery can create employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable, broader economic growth.”
