The Vumela Enterprise Development Fund, an investment vehicle established in 2009 by First National Bank's Business Banking division in partnership with SME development firm Edge Growth, has committed R20 million to logistics technology company Breaze Delivery as it looks to expand its operations across South Africa.
The investment targets a segment of the market that Vumela describes as South Africa's "missing middle": businesses that have outgrown microfinance but remain outside the reach of traditional institutional funding. The fund says it has deployed more than R580 million in growth capital to SMEs across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, education and healthcare since its launch.
Founded in 2021 by Avi Maja and Braden Snyman, Breaze Delivery provides on demand and same day delivery services to small and medium sized businesses across South Africa. The company works with more than 150 integrated brands, serving customers that include e-commerce retailers, grocers, dark kitchens and consumer brands. Its operations are supported by a dedicated mobile application available on Android and iPhone, which delivery partners use to manage routes and deliveries.
The new funding will be used to expand Breaze's technology platform, increase the size of its driver network and extend its presence into additional markets. The investment comes as demand for e-commerce and quick commerce delivery services continues to grow, placing pressure on logistics providers to scale fulfilment and last mile delivery capabilities.
“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,” says Mike Sage, head of investment capital at FNB and Vumela trustee.
“Breaze represents the type of scalable, technology-driven business that can deliver meaningful economic impact through improved efficiency, job creation and SME enablement.”
Beyond capital, the agreement gives Breaze access to Edge Growth's support programmes, including mentorship, operational guidance and business diagnostics. The approach reflects how Vumela has expanded its model over the past 15 years to combine financing with business development support.
Jessica Blake, associate principal at Edge Growth, said the company stood out during the assessment process because of its management team and position in the local delivery market.
“In evaluating the application, Breaze Delivery distinguished itself through the resilience of its leadership and its clear positioning to benefit from continued growth in the e-commerce market in South Africa,” she says.
“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.”
For Breaze, the deal provides funding at a stage when delivery providers are investing in technology and network expansion to meet increasing volumes from online retail and rapid fulfilment services. The company will also gain access to Edge Growth's broader support ecosystem as part of the investment arrangement.
