Silverbacks Holdings, an investment firm based in Mauritius, has recently expanded its portfolio by purchasing a substantial minority share in NERGii, a South African company at the forefront of sports technology. The acquisition was recently publicly announced in Cape Town, signaling Silverbacks’ continued interest in the dynamic sports and technology markets within Africa.
NERGii has developed a cutting-edge shoe insole that functions as a biological battery, aimed at enhancing athletic performance by naturally stimulating the mitochondria. This technology is said to boost the body’s energy levels, benefiting athletes across the spectrum from casual enthusiasts to professionals.
Ibrahim Sagna, the Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, highlighted the strategic nature of the investment, emphasizing NERGii’s potential to address consumer needs in health and wellness and to make a significant impact in its rapidly expanding market.
With this investment, Silverbacks Holdings will gain representation on NERGii’s board, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to nurturing growth in the sports sector. Silverbacks plans to use its extensive network and resources to promote NERGii’s innovative products throughout Africa and potentially in global markets.
Iain Banner, the founder of NERGii, welcomed the partnership with Silverbacks, noting the company’s mission to restore natural energy activation in humans through the use of quantum energy.
Since its establishment in 2019, Silverbacks Holdings has specialized in investments within the sports, technology, media, and lifestyle sectors in Africa. The firm boasts a track record of achieving 3 to 5 times returns on investments and has successfully exited six ventures profitably. Its diverse portfolio includes over 240 companies with a cumulative valuation surpassing $10 billion.
Among Silverbacks’ notable investments are the Cape Town Tigers, a basketball team that reached the semi-finals in the 2024 Basketball Africa League, and Forever7 Entertainment, which has sold two African films to Netflix. The firm has also supported Moove, a mobility fintech company with roots in Africa that has garnered support from Uber.
Silverbacks Holdings is strategically focused on assisting company founders in maintaining market leadership, hastening corporate development, expanding market reach, and improving financial stability and liquidity. The firm is also dedicated to fostering employment opportunities for the youth and upholding gender equality in its investment outcomes.
