Startup Picnic Venture Studio (SPVS) is a South African–based, Africa-focused venture studio building innovative businesses with a foundation in book publishing, distribution, and intellectual property.

Founded by Tiisetso Maloma, an author, publisher, and pioneer angel-investor  of the “Diary Chronicles” genre, SPVS turns African intellectual property into scalable, evergreen businesses.

We are not starting from scratch. Our studio already operates Bula Buka Distribution, which supplies major book retailers including Exclusive Books, Bargain Books, and Van Schaik, and we have identified 1,000+ manuscripts—many already read monthly—that can be acquired, published, and scaled into books, films, and other derivative products.

SPVS is building a modern African publishing and IP ecosystem, integrating:

• Book licensing & distribution
• Printing & print-on-demand
• Royalty-tracking and contract automation software
• AI-enabled catalogue management
• Retail (online & physical)
• Film-ready IP development

We believe African creativity deserves infrastructure that can scale globally. Our mission is to make that happen.

Background

Startup Picnic began in 2014 as a casual and informal networking picnic for entrepreneurs and investors to unwind and connect in a relaxed setting over a braai, fun sports, and refreshing drinks. Over the years, we have hosted and featured entrepreneurs such as Irfan Pardesi, Busta Madiba of Perere Restaurants, Max Lichaba, Mark Makhubalo, Puseletso Modimogale, Kagiso Maloma, and Tabatso Molapo.

Over the years, we’ve developed various business development products, including initiatives in Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD/BBBEE/EE), the establishment of an academy, and the upcoming launch of an AI Business and Innovation Coach.

We have also collaborated with organisations such as Nedbank, CSIR, ABSA, SOS Children’s Villages, Standard Bank, The Innovation Hub, Technoserve, Transnet Matlafatšo Centre, The Hope Factory, SAICA, UNISA, Wits Business School, the University of Johannesburg, and many others.

Magazine

Our Startup Picnic Magazine has featured contributions from leading voices such as Grant Cardone, York Zucchi, Brad Feld, Lebogang Mukansi, and many others.