A real founder market fit
The business grows from direct fitness experience, daily contact with women and a long standing interest in fashion.
Business partnership presentation
Built by a woman.
Created for women.
Ready to grow.
Self Made Active is a South African women’s activewear business where fashion, fitness, confidence and commercial opportunity come together.
The opportunity
More than an activewear label
The foundation is already taking shape. The brand, suppliers, ecommerce platform and initial investor interest are in place. The next step is to build the right partnership around the opportunity.
A clear launch market
Stellenbosch provides a concentrated student and lifestyle market supported by national ecommerce reach.
A scalable brand platform
The opportunity begins with activewear and can expand into lifestyle products, community experiences, retail and international distribution.
Founder story
Where fashion and fitness became one
Growing up, I always wanted to become a fashion designer.
Life took me in another direction and I worked hard to earn my fitness qualification. At the time, I believed fitness was the path I was meant to follow.
What I did not realise was that my childhood dream had never disappeared. It was waiting to find its place within my love for fitness.
Fitness helped me rebuild my confidence, develop discipline and create a career. Today, those two passions have come together to give birth to Self Made Active.
Self Made Active is for the woman who is still becoming.
Problem and solution
Women want clothing that represents them honestly
The gap
Too many women still feel that they are not fit enough, thin enough, young enough or confident enough to belong.
Our response
Quality activewear that helps women feel confident, comfortable, attractive, strong and included.
The product
Fashion for movement and everyday life
The first collection will remain focused. This allows us to control inventory, test demand, identify strong products and protect cash flow.
Collection preview
Self Made Contour Legging — Black
Collection preview
Self Made Relax Tee — White
Collection preview
Self Made Sculpt Bra — Nude
The store is part of the commercial model and gives the presentation tangible product proof. It supports the investment case without replacing it.
Explore the current storeThe Stellenbosch advantage
Self Made Active will establish a physical presence in Stellenbosch, an active university town with a large and constantly renewing student community.
The location gives the business direct access to young adults who care about fitness, fashion, identity and belonging.
The first space can operate as a customer touchpoint, fitting space, content studio, stock base and community hub. It does not need to begin as an expensive full retail store.
Direct customer sales
Student ambassadors
Fittings and launches
Community workouts
Content production
Product testing
Business model
Physical presence supported by national ecommerce
Online sales
Direct sales through the Self Made Active ecommerce platform
Stellenbosch sales
Customer contact, fittings, events and local retail
Community commerce
Coaching, ambassadors, creators and fitness partnerships
Future expansion
Retail, distribution and selected international markets
Current progress
This is not only an idea
01Brand concept and positioning
02Founder story and purpose
03Supplier relationships
04Initial product planning
05Ecommerce platform
06Fitness customer access
07Early investor interest
08Partnership discussions
09Social impact vision
Marketing
Recognition built through real women
A focused first collection and clear founder story
Professional product and lifestyle content
Student and fitness ambassadors
Gym, trainer and wellness partnerships
Launch events and workouts in Stellenbosch
Customer reviews, referrals and direct communities
Confidence with purpose
My vision extends beyond clothing. I understand how difficult circumstances can affect a young girl’s confidence, dignity and future.
As the business grows, Self Made Active intends to support responsible initiatives that provide vulnerable girls with sanitary products, confidence activities, fitness opportunities, mentorship and positive female role models.
The programme must be supported by suitable partners, clear records and measurable results. It will grow at a pace the business can afford.
Partnership opportunity
More than capital
The right relationship combines financial support with marketing direction, commercial thinking and long term involvement.
What I bring
The original vision and founder story
Fitness industry experience
Direct customer relationships
Supplier relationships
Product and brand foundation
Commitment to lead and grow
What the partner could bring
Financial investment
Marketing and brand strategy
Commercial planning
Customer acquisition
Strategic relationships
International market perspective
Use of investment
Every rand must have a defined purpose
01
Initial inventory and production
02
Samples and quality control
03
Packaging and brand presentation
04
Stellenbosch premises and setup
05
Ecommerce and customer systems
06
Launch marketing and content
07
Ambassador partnerships
08
Warehousing and fulfilment
09
Working capital
10
Social impact planning
Legal structure is part of the investment
Legal and professional fees must be budgeted from the beginning. Clear agreements protect the founder, the partner, the investment and the brand.
Company and ownership structuring
Shareholders and investment agreements
Trademark and intellectual property protection
Supplier and distribution agreements
Employment and contractor agreements
Lease review and negotiation
Independent legal and financial advice
Growth roadmap
From Stellenbosch to a wider market
Stage one
Structure
Finalise the partnership, funding model, suppliers, products and legal framework.
Stage two
Launch
Open the initial Stellenbosch presence and launch the focused online collection.
Stage three
National growth
Expand through ecommerce, ambassadors, pop ups and selected retail partners.
Stage four
International
Enter suitable African markets before selected opportunities in the UK and Europe.
Sales channels
Where Self Made Active can sell
The brand is built for more than a single shopfront. Through our own online store and selected mid-to-high-end channels, Self Made Active can reach customers across South Africa and beyond, while protecting brand positioning and margin.
Owned ecommerce
Self Made Active online store
Our own direct-to-customer store. Full control of brand, pricing, data and the customer relationship. The foundation of the business.
Potential marketplace
Takealot
South Africa's largest online marketplace. Rapid national reach, trusted fulfilment and immediate access to a proven buying audience.
Potential marketplace
Amazon South Africa
A growing SA marketplace with strong logistics and international credibility. A scalable channel for reach beyond our own store.
Potential retail channel
Totalsports
South Africa's leading sports retailer. Premium positioning and a national footprint suited to performance and lifestyle activewear.
Potential retail channel
Sportscene
A premium sportswear and lifestyle destination for fashion-led customers. Strong alignment with the Self Made Active brand identity.
Potential retail channel
Sportsmans Warehouse
South Africa's largest sports store chain. Broad national coverage and an established audience for quality activewear.
Channels are selected to protect the premium positioning of the brand. Value and mass-market retailers are intentionally excluded at launch.
These organisations represent potential future sales or distribution channels. Their inclusion does not imply a confirmed listing, commercial agreement or retail partnership.
Investment proposal
Self Made Active Investment Proposal
Self Made Active is building a premium South African women's activewear and lifestyle brand, beginning with a focused launch in Stellenbosch and national direct-to-customer ecommerce. The investment will move the business from brand and product development into structured commercial launch, customer acquisition and scalable growth.
Entry partner
Investment
R350,000
Proposed Equity Ownership 10%
Implied pre-money
R3.15 million
Implied post-money
R3.5 million
Includes
- Introductory equity allocation
- Strategic advisory input
- Founder access and investor updates
Growth partner
Investment
R800,000
Proposed Equity Ownership 20%
Implied pre-money
R3.2 million
Implied post-money
R4 million
Includes
- Greater equity allocation
- Marketing and brand direction
- Commercial planning involvement
- Regular performance reporting
Lead partner
Investment
R1.5 million
Proposed Equity Ownership 30%
Implied pre-money
R3.5 million
Implied post-money
R5 million
Includes
- Maximum proposed equity allocation
- Strategic co-builder role
- Long-term commercial involvement
- Agreed strategic decision participation
All investment amounts, valuations and equity allocations remain subject to due diligence, verification, final negotiation and legally binding investment and shareholders' agreements.
Strong. Confident. Self Made.
How the proposed valuation is calculated
Post-money = investment ÷ equity
The post-money valuation is calculated by dividing the proposed investment by the proposed equity percentage.
Investment ÷ Equity
R350,000 ÷ 10%
= R3.5 million post-money
Investment ÷ Equity
R800,000 ÷ 20%
= R4 million post-money
Investment ÷ Equity
R1.5 million ÷ 30%
= R5 million post-money
The corresponding proposed pre-money valuations range from approximately R3.15 million to R3.5 million.
These are proposed transaction valuations for discussion. They are not independent professional valuations and remain subject to commercial evidence, due diligence and negotiation.
Valuation foundation
What supports the proposed valuation
The proposed valuation considers the business foundation already developed, including:
- The Self Made Active brand and positioning
- Founder experience and founder-market fit
- Supplier relationships and product planning
- Existing ecommerce infrastructure
- Initial product range and commercial concept
- Direct access to fitness customers
- Stellenbosch launch opportunity
- National ecommerce potential
- Community and social-impact positioning
- Potential for wider retail and international expansion
The valuation must ultimately be supported by verified supplier quotations, product margins, customer demand, launch performance, intellectual-property ownership and financial forecasts.
Investment framework
A disciplined path from launch to scale
Final investment figures will be confirmed against current supplier pricing, freight, premises, legal requirements and the agreed launch model.
Proposed capital requirement
R350,000 to R1.5 million
The final capital requirement will depend on the agreed launch scale, initial production volume, Stellenbosch premises, marketing programme and working-capital requirement.
Initial Stellenbosch premises
R15,000 to R20,000 pm
A practical operating and customer facing space for the first stage
Future student centre retail
From R40,000 pm
Considered only after demand and sales performance have been proven
Maximum proposed investor equity
30%
The founder intends to retain a minimum controlling interest of 70%. Final equity remains subject to valuation, due diligence and legal agreement.
Founder Ownership and Control
The founder intends to retain a minimum controlling interest of 70%. The maximum equity currently proposed for an external investor is 30%, subject to valuation, due diligence and final legal agreement.
The founder will continue to lead the brand, product vision and daily operations. Investor voting rights, reserved matters, reporting rights and strategic responsibilities will be defined in the shareholders' agreement.
What the investor receives
Equity in the operating company
The investor receives equity ownership in the operating company, not merely a percentage of individual product sales.
Subject to the final shareholders' agreement, equity ownership may provide
- Proportional participation in the future value of the company
- Proportional participation in declared dividends
- Participation in proceeds if the company is sold
- Agreed voting rights
- Regular financial and performance reporting
- Pre-emptive or participation rights relating to future share issues, where included in the shareholders' agreement
- Agreed participation in future funding rounds
- Strategic involvement appropriate to the investment level
Investor involvement will not extend to daily operational control unless specifically agreed.
Use of investment
A clear budget for each investment option
Each investment option is allocated across the same core launch categories in proportion to the contribution. The deployment periods below show when the company expects to use the capital. They do not automatically determine when the investor must make payment. Investment payment dates and any milestone-based tranches will be defined separately in the investment agreement.
Entry partner
R350,000
Proposed Equity Ownership 10%
| Use of funds | Amount | Deployment Period |
|---|---|---|
| Initial inventory and production | R105,000 | Months 1 – 3 |
| Samples and quality control | R20,000 | Months 1 – 2 |
| Packaging and brand presentation | R21,000 | Months 1 – 3 |
| Stellenbosch premises and setup | R47,000 | Months 1 – 4 |
| Ecommerce and customer systems | R28,000 | Months 1 – 2 |
| Launch marketing and content | R42,000 | Months 1 – 6 |
| Ambassador partnerships | R21,000 | Months 2 – 9 |
| Warehousing and fulfilment | R16,000 | Months 2 – 6 |
| Working capital | R42,000 | Months 1 – 12 (ongoing) |
| Social impact planning | R8,000 | Months 6 – 12 |
| Total investment | R350,000 | Capital deployed across 12 months |
Growth partner
R800,000
Proposed Equity Ownership 20%
| Use of funds | Amount | Deployment Period |
|---|---|---|
| Initial inventory and production | R240,000 | Months 1 – 3 |
| Samples and quality control | R43,000 | Months 1 – 2 |
| Packaging and brand presentation | R48,000 | Months 1 – 3 |
| Stellenbosch premises and setup | R107,000 | Months 1 – 4 |
| Ecommerce and customer systems | R64,000 | Months 1 – 2 |
| Launch marketing and content | R96,000 | Months 1 – 6 |
| Ambassador partnerships | R48,000 | Months 2 – 9 |
| Warehousing and fulfilment | R37,000 | Months 2 – 6 |
| Working capital | R96,000 | Months 1 – 12 (ongoing) |
| Social impact planning | R21,000 | Months 6 – 12 |
| Total investment | R800,000 | Capital deployed across 12 months |
Lead partner
R1.5 million
Proposed Equity Ownership 30%
| Use of funds | Amount | Deployment Period |
|---|---|---|
| Initial inventory and production | R450,000 | Months 1 – 3 |
| Samples and quality control | R80,000 | Months 1 – 2 |
| Packaging and brand presentation | R90,000 | Months 1 – 3 |
| Stellenbosch premises and setup | R200,000 | Months 1 – 4 |
| Ecommerce and customer systems | R120,000 | Months 1 – 2 |
| Launch marketing and content | R180,000 | Months 1 – 6 |
| Ambassador partnerships | R90,000 | Months 2 – 9 |
| Warehousing and fulfilment | R70,000 | Months 2 – 6 |
| Working capital | R180,000 | Months 1 – 12 (ongoing) |
| Social impact planning | R40,000 | Months 6 – 12 |
| Total investment | R1,500,000 | Capital deployed across 12 months |
Social-impact planning will focus on programme design, governance, partnerships and measurement. Commercial launch capital will not be diverted into unaffordable charitable commitments. Any social-impact expenditure will be introduced responsibly and at a pace supported by the company's financial position.
Investment Payment and Share Issuance
Investment may be contributed as a single payment or through agreed milestone-based tranches.
Where capital is paid in tranches:
- Shares will be issued or vest proportionately against capital received
- Each tranche will have a defined payment date
- Tranches may be connected to agreed business milestones
- Missed payments will suspend further share issuance
- Unpaid capital will not qualify for the full proposed equity allocation
- Partial payments and investor default will be governed by the investment agreement
Illustrative example
R800,000 tranche schedule
| Legal Structure and Supplier Confirmation | R200,000 |
| Samples and Production Approval | R200,000 |
| Initial Production and Launch Readiness | R250,000 |
| Commercial Launch and Working Capital | R150,000 |
| Total | R800,000 |
This tranche schedule is an illustrative example. Final tranche amounts and dates will be agreed in the investment agreement.
How the investment creates value
A repeatable commercial system
The purpose of the investment is not simply to purchase inventory. It is to build a repeatable commercial system for acquiring customers, selling products profitably and increasing the long-term value of Self Made Active.
01
Produce and hold focused launch inventory
02
Test demand and identify bestselling products
03
Acquire customers through ecommerce, content and ambassadors
04
Build repeat purchases and customer loyalty
05
Establish a practical Stellenbosch customer touchpoint
06
Expand the collection using verified sales information
07
Increase national ecommerce reach
08
Introduce pop-ups and selected retail distribution
09
Prepare the business for African and international expansion
Illustrative Planning Targets
Initial product economics
Based on the current product range, Self Made Active products are positioned approximately between R549 and R949. The following figures represent initial commercial planning targets and must be confirmed against actual manufacturing, freight, duty, packaging and fulfilment costs.
VAT treatment
The figures below are preliminary planning assumptions. Consumer selling prices, net revenue, landed product costs and gross margins must be presented on a consistent VAT basis.
If Self Made Active becomes VAT-registered, VAT collected from customers will not form part of the company's net revenue. Eligible input VAT may be recoverable subject to South African tax requirements. The final financial model must be reviewed by a qualified accountant or tax practitioner.
| Average Order Value | R850 |
| Long-Term Target Gross Margin | 55%–60% on net revenue excluding VAT |
| Estimated Gross Profit per Order | R468–R510 |
| Customer Acquisition Cost Target | Below R200 per first-time customer |
| Repeat Purchase Target | 25%–35% within 12 months |
| Ecommerce Conversion Target | 1.5%–2.5% |
| Inventory Sell-Through Target | 70%–80% per collection cycle |
| Product Return Rate Target | Below 12% |
The customer acquisition cost target will be monitored against the customer's gross profit, repeat-purchase behaviour and estimated lifetime value. A customer acquisition cost below R200 is only commercially sustainable if sufficient gross profit and repeat revenue are achieved.
Illustrative product economics
Before VAT registration
Consumer Selling PriceR850
Illustrative Landed Product CostR357
Illustrative Gross ProfitR493
Illustrative Gross Margin58%
After VAT registration
Consumer Selling Price Including VATR850
Net Selling Price Excluding 15% VATApprox. R739
Landed Cost Excluding Recoverable VATR357
Illustrative Gross ProfitApprox. R382
Illustrative Gross MarginApprox. 51.7%
These examples are illustrative. Actual margins will depend on supplier costs, freight, import duties, packaging, input-VAT recovery and the company's VAT-registration status.
Preliminary illustrative model — subject to accountant review
Three-year illustrative growth model
| Metric | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approximate Orders | 1,800 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| Average Order Value | R850 | R875 | R900 |
| Projected Customer Sales | R1.53 million | R4.38 million | R9 million |
| Target Gross Margin | 58% | 59% | 60% |
| Projected Gross Profit | R887,400 | R2.58 million | R5.4 million |
| Estimated Operating Expenses | R1.04 million | R2.05 million | R3.75 million |
| Indicative Operating Result | -R152,600 | R530,000 | R1.65 million |
| VAT-Exclusive Accounting Revenue | To be confirmed according to VAT-registration timing | ||
Year 1 concentrates on launch, customer acquisition and market validation.
Year 2 targets repeatable national growth and positive annual operating performance.
Year 3 targets stronger profitability, product expansion and broader distribution.
Projected customer sales are calculated from approximate orders multiplied by average customer order value. Once the business becomes VAT-registered, VAT collected from customers must be excluded from accounting revenue. Gross profit, operating expenses and operating results must therefore be recalculated on a consistent VAT-exclusive basis before these projections are used as formal forecasts.
These figures are an illustrative commercial scenario and not guaranteed results. They must be updated when final supplier costs, logistics expenses and launch budgets have been confirmed.
Illustrative Break-Even Target
The point where the business covers its costs
Before VAT registration, using an illustrative gross profit of R493 per order and estimated monthly fixed operating costs of R100,000, Self Made Active would require approximately:
203
orders per month
~7
orders per day
R172,550
monthly customer sales
After VAT registration, the required number of orders may increase because VAT collected from customers is excluded from net revenue. The final break-even calculation must use verified VAT-exclusive selling prices, landed costs, fulfilment costs, payment-processing fees, customer acquisition costs and monthly operating expenses.
Investment milestones
A staged path from preparation to scale
Months 1–3
Commercial Preparation
- Finalise investment and shareholders' agreements
- Confirm supplier pricing and production terms
- Complete samples and quality control
- Confirm product pricing and margins
- Produce launch inventory
- Finalise packaging and fulfilment systems
- Prepare launch content and campaigns
Months 4–6
Market Launch
- Launch the initial collection
- Activate ecommerce campaigns
- Introduce ambassadors and referrals
- Establish the Stellenbosch customer touchpoint
- Measure sales, conversion, acquisition costs and returns
- Identify the highest-performing products
Months 7–12
Validation
- Reorder proven products
- Reduce investment in slow-moving inventory
- Increase repeat-customer sales
- Test pop-ups and community events
- Build national customer reach
- Work towards monthly break-even
- Prepare the Year 2 expansion strategy
Year 2
National Growth
- Expand successful product categories
- Scale marketing based on proven results
- Develop selected retail and marketplace opportunities
- Strengthen warehousing and fulfilment
- Target positive annual operating performance
Year 3
Scale
- Expand national distribution
- Introduce appropriate lifestyle products
- Evaluate selected African markets
- Prepare for international distribution
- Consider strategic investment, distribution or acquisition opportunities
Investor reporting
Investors will receive agreed performance reporting covering:
- Monthly revenue
- Number of orders
- Average order value
- Gross margin
- Marketing expenditure
- Customer acquisition cost
- Ecommerce conversion rate
- Repeat-customer rate
- Inventory held and sold
- Product return rate
- Cash position
- Operating profit or loss
- Progress against agreed milestones
Investors will receive quarterly management accounts prepared by the company or its appointed accounting professional. Annual financial statements will be prepared according to the company's applicable statutory and contractual requirements. The shareholders' agreement will define the investor's reporting and information rights.
Illustrative equity growth
The value of equity follows the value of the company
The value of an investor's equity increases only if the overall value of Self Made Active increases.
| Future Company Value | 10% Stake | 20% Stake | 30% Stake |
|---|---|---|---|
| R5 million | R500,000 | R1 million | R1.5 million |
| R10 million | R1 million | R2 million | R3 million |
| R20 million | R2 million | R4 million | R6 million |
| R30 million | R3 million | R6 million | R9 million |
These figures illustrate the mathematical value of different equity percentages at hypothetical future company valuations. They are not guaranteed returns, promised valuations or formal financial forecasts.
How an investor may realise a return
Dividends
If the company becomes profitable and has sufficient cash reserves, the board and shareholders may approve dividends in accordance with South African company law and the shareholders' agreement. Profits may initially be reinvested to finance inventory, marketing and growth. Dividends are not guaranteed.
Future Funding Round
A future investment round completed at a higher company valuation may increase the indicated value of an existing investor's shares. However, a higher valuation does not automatically provide a cash return unless the investor sells shares or participates in an approved secondary transaction.
Negotiated Share Buyback
Subject to affordability, legal requirements and agreement between the parties, the founder, another shareholder or the company may negotiate to acquire some or all of an investor's shares. No automatic buyback obligation or fixed buyback value is guaranteed.
Strategic Sale
A retailer, distributor, apparel group or other strategic buyer may acquire part or all of the business.
No fixed exit date, dividend or investment return is guaranteed.
Risk and mitigation
Unsold Inventory
Focused collection, smaller production runs and reordering only proven products
High Customer Acquisition Cost
Ambassadors, referrals, founder community, organic content and disciplined campaign testing
Supplier Inconsistency
Samples, quality controls, written product standards and alternative suppliers
Cash-Flow Pressure
Tranche planning, inventory controls and monthly cash-flow reporting
Heavy Retail Overhead
Begin with a flexible customer-facing space instead of a full conventional store
Competitive Market
Founder story, inclusive positioning, community and differentiated brand identity
Returns and Sizing
Accurate size guidance, fittings and product-quality testing
Founder Dependency
Document operations and gradually establish management support
International Expansion Risk
Prove South African demand before entering additional markets
Financial verification before investment
What is illustrative, and what must be verified
Currently illustrative
- Average order value
- Landed product cost
- Gross margin
- Customer acquisition cost
- Repeat-purchase rate
- Operating expenses
- Break-even point
- Three-year projections
- Future company valuations
To be verified before investment
- Final supplier quotations
- Freight and import duties
- Packaging and fulfilment costs
- VAT-registration strategy
- Product pricing and margins
- Premises quotation
- Marketing launch budget
- Monthly cash-flow forecast
- Share valuation
- Investment agreement
- Shareholders' agreement
No investor should be asked to rely on preliminary assumptions as though they are verified historical results.
Important notice
This presentation is provided for private discussion purposes only. It does not constitute a public offer, financial advice or a guarantee of investment performance.
All investment terms, financial projections, valuations and equity allocations remain subject to verification, due diligence, negotiation and legally binding agreements.
Prospective investors should obtain independent legal, tax and financial advice before making an investment decision.