Entrepreneur

Based: Cape Town

Entrepreneur | Venture Capital Investor | Oxford Scholar | Board Director | Author | Keynote Speaker

Alexandria Procter is a British-South African entrepreneur, venture capital investor, author, broadcaster and public sector leader. Recognised as one of Africa’s leading young technology entrepreneurs, she is best known as the founder of DigsConnect, Africa’s largest student accommodation marketplace, and for her work advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development across Africa and internationally.

While studying at the University of Cape Town, Alexandria identified the growing student accommodation crisis and launched DigsConnect from her student residence. Under her leadership, the platform expanded into the continent’s largest student housing marketplace, connecting students with safe accommodation across hundreds of cities worldwide. The company also raised one of South Africa’s largest early-stage venture capital investments for a female-founded technology startup, establishing Alexandria as one of the country’s most influential startup founders.

After stepping down from the day-to-day leadership of DigsConnect, Alexandria founded House of Pharos, a venture platform comprising a venture capital fund, venture studio, startup consultancy and content lab. Through House of Pharos, she invests in and advises high-growth technology businesses while supporting founders working on solutions to global challenges, particularly in sustainability, frontier technologies and deep tech.

Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Alexandria has built an impressive governance portfolio. She serves as a Non-Executive Director of SENTECH SOC Ltd, where she chairs the Investment Committee, and previously served as a Board Director of South Africa’s National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), following her appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa. She has also represented South Africa at international forums including the G20, COP28 and BRICS, contributing to discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable economic development.

Currently based between Oxford, United Kingdom, and Cape Town, South Africa, Alexandria is completing a Master of Science in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford as a recipient of the prestigious FirstRand Scholarship. Her research explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, sustainability, geopolitics and natural resource security, reflecting her growing focus on technology’s role in addressing complex global challenges.

Alexandria is also the bestselling author of Upstart, an entrepreneurial memoir that chronicles her journey from rebellious student to founder of one of Africa’s most successful proptech companies. The book combines personal stories with practical insights into startup creation, leadership and resilience and has been widely praised within South Africa’s business community.

As a keynote speaker, Alexandria is recognised for her energetic, insightful and future-focused presentations. She speaks on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, venture capital, innovation ecosystems, sustainability, leadership, public policy, the future of work and building globally competitive businesses from Africa. Her unique combination of founder experience, investment expertise, academic research and public sector leadership makes her a sought-after speaker for corporate conferences, innovation summits, universities and government events.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

  • Founder of DigsConnect, Africa’s largest student accommodation marketplace.
  • Founder and Managing Director of House of Pharos, a venture capital fund, venture studio and startup consultancy.
  • Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Investment Committee at SENTECH SOC Ltd.
  • Former Board Director of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).
  • MSc candidate at the University of Oxford on a FirstRand Scholarship.
  • Bestselling author of Upstart.
  • Featured by Forbes, Fast Company, Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, and other leading international publications.
  • Delegate and contributor at global forums including G20, COP28 and BRICS.
  • TEDx speaker (2026).

Speaking Topics

  • Entrepreneurship & Startup Growth
  • Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
  • Venture Capital & Investment
  • Innovation & Digital Transformation
  • Sustainability & Climate Innovation
  • Leadership in Uncertain Times
  • The Future of Africa
  • Women in Business & Technology
  • Public-Private Partnerships
  • Building Global Businesses from Emerging Markets

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Entertainment

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