Our Team

Edward Lawrence

Founding Partner
(Archmage)

Edward is a successful entrepreneur and is well recognised for his commitment to the development of the African Internet.

Often called on for business and leadership advice, Edward serves on multiple boards of large pan-African technology companies.

Since co-founding Workonline Communications in 2006, Edward has successfully led the company to becoming the leader in the provision of wholesale connectivity and IP transit services in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mark Tipping

Founding Partner
(Wrangler)

A successful business director with 15 years of experience in various African countries, travelling extensively during this time having previously worked in both Europe and South America.

Mark has founded and operated businesses in multiple sub-Saharan countries in the technology and ecommerce sectors.

Mark works closely with founders with a focus on business planning and operational efficiency.

Rob Bergman

Chief Investment Officer
(Stable Manager)

Rob is a seasoned corporate finance and investment professional with nearly two decades of deal making experience. He has assessed and executed transactions in most African countries, as well as in the Middle East and Europe.

Rob’s long-term focus on capital raising and management buy-outs in digital infrastructure in Africa and other markets provides our partners with a competitive edge when they become part of Unicorn Factory’s eco-system.

Donna Murray

Junior Legal Advisor
(Steward)

Donna works as Junior Legal Advisor and joined Unicorn Factory after being admitted to the High Court of South Africa. She gained experience at Bailey Haynes Inc, the firm where she completed her articles, before joining Unicorn Factory.

Donna provides support to Unicorn Factory subsidiaries, and executes on daily legal and administrative group requirements.

Karien Thurtell

Operations Specialist
(Track Master)

Karien is a seasoned operations and project manager with a 20-year track record of successfully leading projects from inception to completion, driving operational excellence and elevating administrative standards. She is skilled in managing diverse teams, optimising workflows, implementing innovative solutions and mitigating risks.

She is committed to delivering high-quality results to Unicorn Factory subsidiaries, and assists with group operational requirements.

Philip Hobbs

Deal Executive
(Jockey)

Philip works as a Deal Executive at Unicorn Factory Advisory Services, where he is actively engaged in capital-raising projects and business analysis for the team. Prior to joining Unicorn Factory Advisory Services, he was part of the corporate finance team at Bravura Capital, following the completion of his articles at PwC.

Philip has experience across a broad range of industries, with expertise in capital raising, M&A, valuations, and project management

Siyabonga Maseko CA(SA)

Deal Executive
(Jockey)

Siya works as a Deal Executive at Unicorn Factory Advisory Services, where he is actively engaged in capital-raising projects and business analysis for the team. He completed his articles at Nedbank, before joining their Corporate Finance division. Prior to joining Unicorn Factory Advisory Services, Siya worked in Capitec Bank's Strategic Projects team, contributing to the bank's strategic initiatives.

Siya's skills span across various domains including mergers and acquisitions and project management.

Tlhogi Dube CA(SA)

Deal Executive
(Jockey)

Tlhogi works as a Deal Executive at Unicorn Factory Advisory Services, where he is actively engaged in capital-raising projects and business analysis for the team. Before joining Unicorn Factory Advisory Services, he completed his articles through Investec Bank in Johannesburg before joining their Investment Bank in London.

Tlhogi excels in raising capital, divestments, acquisitions, analysing and brainstorming business needs with management teams, and implementing strategic initiatives.