Background
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and E² embody the vision of Mr. Allan W. B. Gray to create vehicles that would contribute to the alleviation of poverty and joblessness in South Africa. Mr. Gray believed that the best way to achieve these social objectives would be to provide education (through Allan Gray Orbis Foundation) and capital to create businesses (through E²) to individuals who demonstrate the potential to become high impact entrepreneurs.
Please go to the link to Allan Gray Orbis Foundation to discover more about the organisation's objectives and activities.
Shortly after its inception in 2007, E² acquired a 20.7% equity stake in Allan Gray Limited from the Gray family through a transaction valued at R1.2 billion. As a result of the purchase, E² became the strategic black economic empowerment partner of Allan Gray Limited and thereby secured a long-term source of financing for its investment and operational activities by way of annual dividends from Allan Gray Limited.
Graduates of Allan Gray Orbis Foundation's programme - whom we refer to as E² associates - are automatically eligible for consideration to receive venture capital financing from E² should they, at any point in their lives, decide to start business or social entrepreneurial ventures. Any E² associate who desires to be considered for funding of their venture by E² is encouraged to contact E² for more detail on the application process.
The association between E² and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation extends beyond just the provision of finance by E² to qualifying E² associates. Both organisations actively work to nurture and develop long-term relationships amongst E² associates in the hope that, over time, they will develop into a powerful network of entrepreneurs and leaders that will deliver a lasting, positive impact on the social and economic development of South Africa.
