Over the past 20 years, Mr. Wierzicka has grown Signia into one of the nation’s largest asset management companies. The company currently oversees R461 billion, compared to just R2 billion when it was founded. It also reported a profit of R383.2 million in 2025, valuing it at approximately R5.22 billion.
The plans for the new fund, reported by the Business Times, confirm that Wiedzicka wants to keep more AI talent and intellectual property within South Africa, rather than moving it overseas.
Mr Wierzicka said South Africa had strong technological capabilities but lacked the funding structures common to countries such as the UK and US.
“We have the same intellectual capital, but not the same access to capital” she explained.
Her concerns were further heightened after attending the World Economic Forum. There was a global discussion about AI that made her realize how rapidly the world was changing. He warned that South Africa could miss out on the benefits of AI if South African founders continue to seek foreign funding.
“If we do nothing, we will end up exporting talented engineers and importing technology that we should later build ourselves.” she said.
Many South African entrepreneurs are now turning to offshore investors, who often take large stakes in early-stage companies. Wiedzicka sees this as the main reason startups are leaving the country.
“Enabling AI founders to transfer ideas and ownership overseas” she said.
Signia will formally announce the new fund later today and aims to be fully operational within six months. The company also plans to invest some of its own funds and hold a national competition to find the best new AI ideas.
This fund does more than just provide early funding. Start-ups can also receive support in areas such as licensing, marketing, and turning technical concepts into real, sellable products.
Mr Wierzicka first hinted at the idea in his December 2025 CEO report, where he also confirmed that he had moved back to South Africa after living in the UK for seven years. She said tax changes influenced her decision, but the global race for AI leadership also played a role.
The UK experience showed that despite having a young and talented population, South Africa lacks a strong venture capital industry. She believes that with the right VC support, startups can build a strong foundation, learn new skills, and access international advice.
Wiedzicka has previously encouraged retirement funds to direct some of their assets to venture capital, arguing this could enhance innovation and help South Africa compete globally.
