GT Pulumo is the visionary Founder and Director of 13preneur, a pioneering Private Equity firm reshaping the traditional approach to investment and entrepreneurship. With a career spanning over two decades, GT has built a reputation for innovation, strategic foresight, and a commitment to empowering others.
Early Beginnings: The Entrepreneurial Spark
GT’s entrepreneurial journey began in high school, where his natural curiosity and drive led him to self-teach business fundamentals, including the art of drafting business plans. This formative period saw the inception of several business ideas, some of which never came to fruition. However, the experience instilled in him a lifelong principle: customer-centric innovation.
Bridging Academia and Enterprise
After high school, GT pursued a degree in Communication Science at the University of South Africa. Opting for the flexibility of distance learning allowed him to balance his studies with entrepreneurial pursuits. During this time, his meticulous business planning caught the attention of South African Government Agencies tasked with supporting Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Impressed by his approach, they invited him to serve as a service provider, marking a pivotal shift in his career. Although hesitant to pause his entrepreneurial journey, GT accepted the opportunity, recognizing the invaluable experience it offered.
Building Expertise: The Consulting Years
In 2002, GT formally launched a Business Consulting Firm focused on SME development. Over the next 15 years, he gained extensive exposure to a diverse range of businesses, refining his expertise in:
Governance
Strategy Development
Strategy Execution
Deal Structuring
This period not only deepened his understanding of corporate ecosystems but also established his credibility as a trusted advisor.
The Private Equity Transition: Founding 13preneur
GT’s introduction to the Private Equity industry was serendipitous. While working with a corporate client on capital-raising strategies, he discovered the potential of Private Equity as a funding mechanism. Although his initial efforts in this space were handed off to more experienced firms, the experience ignited a passion that would lead to the founding of 13preneur.
Unlike traditional Private Equity firms that focus on sourcing existing deals, 13preneur takes a unique approach by creating its own investment opportunities. This model involves rigorous research and development over several years, ensuring an intimate understanding of the underlying assets before presenting them to investors. While this method requires patience, it delivers unmatched control and alignment with the firm’s mission.
Vision for the Future
GT’s leadership at 13preneur is defined by a collaborative and forward-thinking ethos. He is dedicated to advancing a global mission: to EVOLVE&ENHANCE™ the human experience through innovative and impactful investments. Under his guidance, 13preneur is not just a Private Equity firm but a catalyst for meaningful change.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
GT Pulumo’s journey from self-taught entrepreneur to a leader in Private Equity exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and vision. His story is a testament to the power of embracing challenges and leveraging them as opportunities for growth. As he continues to forge partnerships and pioneer new approaches, GT remains steadfast in his commitment to shaping a better future for businesses and communities worldwide.
