Human truths from the people building the future

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Be inspired by inspiration and insights from the global LEAP community. 

This week we’re quoting…

Vusi Thembekwayo (Investor and Managing Partner at MyGrowthFund Venture Partners)

What Thembekwayo said: 

“I care deeply about the social impact of my investments. For me, it's about creating sustainable change and empowering communities.”

It was reading this line again that inspired us to write today’s newsletter. Because when investors talk about empowerment with this level of clarity, you realise there’s deeper meaning behind the global tech landscape – and it’s that meaning that makes conversations with LEAP speakers so powerful. 

Far from just talking about tech, our speakers talk about people, responsibility, and purpose. 

So here are three reasons we love talking to LEAP speakers – and why those conversations stick in our heads. 

1. They care about people more than the product

Whether it’s education, investment, or creativity, the most striking voices this year were those who put human outcomes first.

Aman Merchant (Serial Entrepreneur; Chief Provocateur at Radicle; General Partner at ReimaginED Collective) reminded us that the future of EdTech isn’t content repositories or AI tools – it’s the next generation:

“Beyond building ventures, I’m committed to driving more philanthropic capital toward educational transformation – to make sure that learning isn’t just about skills for today, but about shaping the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow. If I’m remembered for anything, it should be for catalysing ecosystems that empower future generations to build the future, not just inherit it.”

And in the world of angel investing, Elsa Hyland (Angel Investor and Startup Advisor) echoed that human-centred focus from a more personal perspective: 

“Initially I felt out of place, as I hadn’t built a grand business or fully developed my leadership skills. But my curiosity and ‘never-give-up’ mindset – shaped by years of competitive sports – helped me build meaningful relationships and learn from these extraordinary individuals.”

Yes, they’re building technologies. But they’re putting people first. 

2. They’re honest about the messy, human side of innovation

The media loves to promote polished narratives, and the tech industry kind of loves those shiny stories too. But LEAP speakers often give us something braver: vulnerability. 

Hyland, for example, shared that one of her best investments started with a bad first meeting. 

And Rodi Basso (CEO at E1 Series) told us:

“The day when I will say ‘this is it, it can’t be improved’ will be the day to retire. Technology and business innovation is my blood.”

Areiel Wolanow (Managing Director at Finserv Experts) also offered a reality check every founder should hear:

“It’s a sad truth that the correlation between the most innovative solutions and the most commercially successful ones is a weak one at best.”

These would probably make terrible pitch-deck soundbites. But they’re true – hard, raw, empowering truths that have guided resilient founders and thoughtful investors, and ultimately helped to build better businesses. 

3. They see LEAP as an ecosystem (not just a conference) 

At LEAP, we’re community builders by nature; so you won’t be surprised to hear that for us, the most inspiring conversations this year have been the ones rooted in community. 

Merchant described LEAP as:

“A catalyst for collective intelligence – bringing together innovators, investors, and changemakers to rethink learning, work, and economic empowerment.”

Thembekwayo highlighted the atmosphere:

“The energy of like-minded entrepreneurs and investors coming together to share experiences, learn from each other, and collaborate is inspiring.”

And Stephanie Singer (Creative Director at BitterSuite) captured the creative electricity of it all:

“Most of all, it’s the dynamic conversations and debates that challenge ideas, spark new perspectives, and fuel creativity.”

A future built through conversation 

What we’ve learnt this year is that the future is being built through dialogue; not in boardrooms and funding rounds, but in the honest, curious, and occasionally messy exchanges between people who are working to make things better. 

And that’s why we keep talking to LEAP speakers (and why we love it). They remind us that innovation is human work.

So join us at LEAP 2026 to be a part of those conversations, and hear from leaders guiding the next decade of global tech. We can’t wait to meet you there. 

Have an idea for a topic you'd like us to cover? We're eager to hear it. Drop us a message and share your thoughts.

Catch you next week,
The LEAP Team