A consortium of local investors has acquired LekkeSlaap, a South African travel startup. The founders, Jonathan Womersley and Marcel van de Ghinste, will be exiting the company along with two shareholders.
Former CEO of RMB Holdings and RMI Holdings, Herman Bosman, was appointed Chairman of the board, joined by Robert Paddock, co-founder of GetSmarter (acquired by 2U), and the Valenture Institute. CEO Frans Joubert and the existing executive team continue to lead LekkeSlaap.
Bellair Road Investment Partners and Janic Capital co-led the purchase, alongside the Ferreira Family Office, the Moolman Family Office, and Investec.
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Jonathan Womersley and Marcel van de Ghinste launched LekkeSlaap in 2013. The company claims to have secured accommodation for travellers with about 40,000 properties and has served over 9 million of them.
Womersly commented, saying, “After so many years, finding new owners who share our culture, values, and vision for the business matters enormously to us.”
The company plans to expand its presence in Southern Africa, invest in technology, and create a better user experience for its customers.
Everything remains the same for consumers. Jourbet says, “LekkeSlaap remains proudly local and independent in spirit, but with the right partners behind us, we can now dream even bigger.”
