Loading...

Empowering
Growth,

Rooted in
Partnerships.
We deliver tailored financial solutions that build lasting relationships. Learn more arrow_forward

Like the resilient London Plane Tree, we thrive in imperfect conditions, approaching your business from a different perspective to craft real-world solutions for real-world opportunities.

Our Services

We finance the
growth of SMEs

Empowering small and medium-sized enterprises with the financial support they need to scale confidently and sustainably.
Partner with usarrow_forward

We support
entrepreneurs

Backing bold thinkers and changemakers, we provide the resources to turn vision into reality.
Partner with usarrow_forward

We make your
investment matter

Every investment we manage is driven by purpose, creating meaningful impact and value for our clients and the communities they serve.
Partner with usarrow_forward

Why Investors Choose Us

Why we appeal
to investors

At Plane Tree Capital, we combine entrepreneurial expertise with a proven track record in building businesses and managing assets. We invest alongside our clients, aligning your goals with ours to deliver capital security, sustainable growth, and long-term impact.

With Plane Tree Capital, your success is our success.

Latest USD Fund Fact Sheet
Latest Investor Presentation

USD

Our team has
deployed over.

$ 0 m
Target performance
net of fees
0 %

ZAR

Our team has
deployed over.

R 0 bn
Target performance
net of fees
0 %

We have over

0 years

combined experience

Staff ownership of
0 %

Client Value

Why Clients Choose Us

At Plane Tree Capital, we tailor every transaction to your unique needs. With deep expertise and a flexible approach, we evaluate each opportunity on its own merits, ensuring it is self-secured and offers a clear cash exit. Leveraging our extensive network, we structure solutions that deliver the best outcomes for both our clients and investors.

Average time
0 Weeks

for cash deployment

Other hidden costs
0

forever

Average USD interest rates
0 %

per month

Average ZAR interest rates
0 %

per month

Our Success in Numbers

Loans underwritten
ZAR 0 bn+
Countries we are active in
0 +
Shipments
0 +
Transactions
0 +
Lending track record
0 years

Chris Pretorius

Chris started his career in corporate finance with PSG before moving to London, where he worked at a hedge fund as an equity analyst for five years. Since returning to South Africa in 2011, he has been managing both local and offshore private client portfolios. Chris was appointed as Managing Director of Plane Tree Equities in 2024.

Stefan Du Preez

Stefan Du Preez holds a diploma in Logistics and Transportation Management, specializing in Operations Management. With 19 years of experience in the petrochemical industry, Stefan worked as an Operations Foreman at Natref Sasol, where he developed a deep understanding of complex operational processes. His extensive background in the transport and logistics sectors has equipped him with a thorough knowledge of the operational environment, enabling him to excel in optimizing efficiencies and streamlining operations. After his time at Sasol, Stefan joined the Plane Tree Capital team, where he continues to apply his expertise to drive success and innovation within the operations of the organization.

Toivo Khumalo

Toivo Khumalo is an analyst at Plane Tree Capital, bringing a wealth of experience from his career in finance and commodities trading. He studied Economics at the University of Pretoria. After serving as an administrative assistant at Leaders Unlimited for 11 months, Toivo transitioned to Investec Private Bank, joining the High Net Worth Banking team in 2021. At Investec, Toivo managed local/offshore accounts for the bank’s high net worth client base. In 2023, Toivo ventured into commodities trading, familiarizing himself particularly with the South African chrome industry. His expertise in this area led to his introduction to Plane Tree Capital, where he now serves as an analyst, leveraging his background to contribute to the firm’s growth and success.

Chad Brainin

Chad Brainin is a qualified Chartered Accountant(SA). He completed his postgraduate studies at the University of The Witwatersrand in 2020. Chad spent 3 years completing his articles in the financial services sector at a Tier 2 bank where he gained exposure across internal auditing, financial reporting, business and commercial banking, and strategic finance at a Group level. Chad joined Plane Tree Capital as an analyst in August 2024.

Emilio Peretti

Emilio joined Plane Tree Capital in April 2023 as an analyst. Prior to this, he gained valuable experience in the Fintech sector, specializing in business development and strategic operations. At Plane Tree Capital, Emilio is responsible for structuring and executing deals, managing borrower relationships, and overseeing operations within the loan book. He plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth transaction processes and actively monitoring the performance of the portfolio. Emilio holds an honours degree in Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management from the University of Cape Town.

While completing his qualification of BCom Financial Management, Stephen undertook varying jobs in  the motor vehicle industry. Since 2006 he has been involved in a private company, trading  and distributing agricultural commodities between Asia and Africa, as Managing Director. Stephen is also responsible for the management of several listed and unlisted  investments held by his family office. Stephen co-founded Plane Tree Capital in March 2021

Stephen Barritt

Duncan Potts is a qualified CA(SA) and a CFA charter holder. He spent 2 years in London and Amsterdam working in financial services prior to returning to South Africa. Duncan joined Challenger Trade Finance Fund in 2017 and was instrumental in growing  AUM from 17md when he joined to USD 60md at its peak. Duncan managed a significant portion of  the book and worked in all facets of the business including finance and capital  raising. Duncan co-founded Plane Tree Capital in March 2021.

Duncan Potts

Richard Hart

Richard Hart holds a B.Bus.Sci in Finance and Economics specialising in international trade. After spending  13 years as a commodities and mining analyst with tier 1 global investment banks, Richard joined Challenger Trade Finance Fund as an equity partner in 2017. His experience gained as an analyst allows him to understand and manage shifts in commodity markets for live funded transactions. Richard co-founded Plane Tree Capital in March 2021.