About | Sequoia Capital

ABOUT US

Our History

Sequoia Capital Management was founded in 2018 as a solution-driven discretionary fund manager managing a variety of portfolios for investors. We entered a strategic partnership with NMG Benefits in 2021 which led to NMG owning 49% of Sequoia Capital Management. Through this we retain the agility of a boutique but gain the discipline of a corporate. Discretionary investment management is our core specialisation and focus. To stay true to our core we do not shy away from strategically partnering with service providers that can enhance and add value to our business, solutions, and service.

The Sequoia Tree

The Sequoia is an emblem for long life, for attaining your lofty dreams, stretching your limits, and reaching to be the best you can be…… to reach for the stars. The red bark of the tree speaks of energy, strength, health, power, renewal, and determination. Red is not shy in its vibration, and like the Sequoia it’s hard to overlook the intense energy. Dark red in particular represents the will, bravery and, nature’s abundance. This is the perfect companion to the Sequoia’s green bows that symbolize growth, hope, compassion, transformation, and rejuvenation.

JB Smith

Managing Director & Portfolio Manager

B.Com Hons (Financial Analysis), CFP®

JB has 17 years direct investment management experience. His experience range from being portfolio manager to executive management positions. He is responsible for the overall management of the business and acts as co-portfolio manager for the various portfolios we manage.

Richardt Venter

Director

Executive MBA

He is currently the Head of Corporate Services at NMG Benefits responsible for change management and strategic goals. Richardt represents NMG Benefits on the Sequoia Capital Management Board. NMG Benefits is strategic partner and shareholder in Sequoia Capital Management.

Brody Kundasami

Investment Analyst

B.Com (Hons) Investment and Corporate Finance

Brody has 3 years financial services experience. His responsibilities range from investment and fund research and analysis to supporting the portfolio managers with daily activities.

Drikus Combrinck

Investment Committee Member

CFA Charterholder

Drikus has 17 years financial services experience. He is an active member of the Sequoia Investment Committee and also a "Key Individual" on the Sequoia Capital Management FAIS License.

Compli-Serve

Elzabe Botha

Compliance Officer

Compli-serve is appointed as our independent compliance service provider. Elzabe Botha is our appointed compliance officer from Compliance-Serve. She will provide regulator oversight and input to the Key Individuals of the business.

Martin Kotze

Non-Executive Director

LLB

Martin Kotze is an admitted Attorney, Notary Public and Conveyancer specialising in Property Law and related Commercial Law. Before deciding to establish his own practice, Martin was employed by one of Pretoria’s most prominent law firms where he gained extensive experience.

Charne Smith

Director & Head of Business Operations

B.Com Management, Honours in Psychology, Baccalaureus Educationis

Charne has 8 years experience. She started her financial services career with Rebalance Fund Managers in 2016 where she was responsible for business operations. She is responsible for overall business operations which include client consolidated reporting.

Dr Chris Harmse

Consulting Economist

PhD in Economics

Dr. Chris Harmse completed his doctorate degree in Economics at the University of Pretoria. He will be responsible for strategic economic input and will be a member of the Sequoia Capital Investment Committee.

Deslin Naidoo

Head of Portfolio Strategy

CFA Charterholder

Deslin has more than 20 years financial services experience. He is responsible for overall portfolio strategy setting which cover asset class and manager research. Deslin is an active member of the Sequoia Investment Committee.

Colette Forbes

Business Operations & Data Support

RE5 Regulatory Examination

Colette is part of the operational team within the business and is responsible for operational, reporting and data support functions.

Profentum

Johan Ehlers

Accounting & Finance

Profentum is appointed as our accounting and finance service provider. Johan Ehlers is our appointed finance professional from Profentum.