In the latest episode of The Mashstartup Podcast, we sit down with Mathew Marsden, the founder of Startup Club ZA, to explore what it takes to build and sustain South Africa’s largest tech startup and investor community.

The Power of Community in Startup Growth

Mathew shares his journey to becoming a purpose-driven entrepreneur and the lessons he’s learned as a visionary steward of a growing ecosystem. Through Startup Club ZA, he has built a network that fosters connections, unlocks opportunities, and provides critical support to entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of building and scaling businesses in South Africa.

The Big Pitch 2025 – South Africa’s First $1M Startup Pitch Event

One of the most exciting milestones for SCZA is the launch of The Big Pitch 2025—the country’s first $1 million startup pitch event. This initiative aims to give South African founders unprecedented funding opportunities while showcasing the talent and innovation emerging from the local ecosystem.

Mathew unpacks the vision behind The Big Pitch, the importance of early-stage funding, and how SCZA is partnering with key players like FNB South Africa, RMB, Paystack, and more to make this event a game-changer for the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

A Must-Listen for Founders & Ecosystem Builders

If you’re a founder, investor, or someone passionate about South Africa’s startup ecosystem, this episode is packed with insights on community-driven growth, funding opportunities, and the future of entrepreneurship in the country.