From seed to system change, Grounded’s journey to a regenerative future

Our origins

In 2016, Grounded began building agri-processing ventures from scratch. Through hands-on experience we learnt what it’s like on the ground: from the intricate dynamics of the living soil food web to the inner workings of pepper threshing machines, from the nitty-gritty of meeting product specifications for specific buyers to shipping and logistics.

Our team discovered that transforming value chain dynamics means addressing the entirety of the system, rather than isolated segments. We learnt just how complex and interconnected the issues are at the intersection of agriculture, livelihoods, food systems, degradation and conservation. While these systemic challenges can perpetuate in a negative cycle and there is no silver bullet, we see opportunities to change this system for the better.

Our purpose is to make farming more profitable for producers in Africa and facilitate their transition to regenerative farming systems that create an abundance of life above and below the ground. We do this by actively taking positions across the value chain via the Grounded Investment Company, Grounded Ventures (The Honeybush Company and Simalaha Incubator Farm Company), Grounded Ingredients and our Regen Ag Facility.

Our timeline

Grounded timeline

Our timeline

Values

Adaptability

We’re flexible. Every region and every farmer is different, so every approach is tailor-made. We’re constantly tweaking and adjusting as we go.

Honesty

We build trusting partnerships. All our relationships are grounded in transparency and mutual-respect.

Courage

We’re adventurous. We’re not afraid to try things that have not been tried before, or go where others fear to tread.

Humility

We know we don’t have all the answers. We depend on the insight and cooperation of our partners to create the best solutions possible.

Openness

We’re in this together. We are receptive to new ideas and we share what we learn so others can profit from our experience.

Fairness

We seek balance and equity. All our partners must feel justly served.

Team

Thekla Teunis profile image

Thekla
Teunis

Managing Partner

Gijs Boers profile image

Gijs
Boers

Managing Partner

Gail Malcomess profile image

Gail
Malcomess

Legal Counsel

Dani Petersen profile image

Dani
Petersen

Head of Finance

Judith
Ngonyo

Investment Manager

Stephie Mendelsohn profile image

Stephie
Mendelsohn

Head of Impact & Investment Manager,
Director – Zombo Coffee Partners

Saskia
van der Mast

Venture Partner

Maureen
Ndung’u

Investment Analyst

Daniel Fourie profile image

Daniel
Fourie

Regenerative Agriculture Specialist
Grounded Ventures Strategic Advisor

Renée Engelsman profile image 2

Renée
Engelsman

Investment Manager

Michelle Awuor profile image

Michelle
Awuor

Regenerative Agriculture Specialist

Lori
Manthey

Business Development Consultant

Jenny
Willis

Impact Coordinator

Kaleb
Benadie

Group Financial Accountant

Wouter
van de Wetering

General Manager, Grounded Ingredients,
General Manager, Trianon Spices

Glenda
Kayster

People Management

Annie
Barker

Fund Administrator

Alastair
Wiener

Bookkeeper &
Administrator

Matthew
Freeman

Group Financial Accountant

Fiona
Fewell

Head of People

Plant Section Separator

Want to join our team?

Partners

We are proud to collaborate with partners who share our unwavering commitment to a more sustainable future. Together, we are all working to restore and rejuvenate our planet, nurturing not only the soil beneath our feet but also the communities around us.