South African accommodation booking platform LekkeSlaap has been acquired by a local investor consortium, marking the departure of its co-founders and the start of a new phase of growth for the travel technology business.
The consortium is co-led by Bellair Road Investment Partners and Janic Capital, alongside the Ferreira Family Office, the Moolman Family Office and Investec. The financial terms have not been disclosed.
Founders Exit as Management Invests
The transaction sees co-founders Jonathan Womersley and Marcel van de Ghinste exit the business, together with other long-standing shareholders.
LekkeSlaap’s executive management team has also invested alongside the incoming shareholders. CEO Frans Joubert and the existing leadership team will continue running the company, providing continuity through the ownership transition.
A Business Built From a Garage
The company’s origins date back to 2009, when Womersley and Van de Ghinste started TravelGround in a garage with approximately 300 accommodation establishments listed.
LekkeSlaap followed in 2013, initially serving Afrikaans-speaking travellers. The platform subsequently expanded its reach and now lists more than 40,000 properties across Southern Africa, having facilitated bookings for over nine million guests since inception.
Experienced Business Leaders Join the Board
The acquisition also brings new board appointments.
Herman Bosman, chairman of OUTsurance Group and Fortress Real Estate, has been appointed LekkeSlaap chairman. Robert Paddock, co-founder of GetSmarter and Valenture Institute, has also joined the board.
Both have invested alongside the consortium, with Bosman participating through Atelier Partners.
Technology and Regional Expansion in Focus
The new shareholders are backing further growth while retaining LekkeSlaap’s South African ownership. The company intends to invest in technology, localisation and expansion across Southern Africa.
For Joubert, the opportunity extends beyond the platform’s established domestic presence.
