Innovations, community impact, and global recognition – here’s what defined Specno in 2024
2024 has been a year of transformation for Specno. As we reflect on the past 12 months, the word that comes to mind is momentum – not just maintaining it but accelerating it.
From delivering impactful projects for leading clients to expanding our community and receiving global recognition, this year has been about solidifying our position as a leader in the tech ecosystem while setting the stage for even greater things to come.
Here’s a look back at what made 2024 extraordinary…
At Specno, Service Excellence is more than just a value – it’s a promise. And this year, our dedication to delivering a five-star experience was once again recognised by clients across industries ranging from retail and real estate to technology and transportation.
Our work with Ackermans, one of South Africa’s retail leaders, highlighted our team’s ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on collaboration.
As Nwabisa Mtandeki noted, “They didn’t just place a design before us for the sake of delivering; they went through the process.” Similarly, their UX Specialist, Jandro Saayman, emphasised the adaptability and proactive approach we bring to projects, stating, “Specno offers valuable insights on how the client should approach their digital products based on best practices.”
On the startup front, founders like Erhard Wolfaardt of Hoom highlighted not just our technical expertise but the human touch that defines us, praising our enthusiasm and dedication. From Kids Transportation Service in Cameroon to Open Access Energy in Cape Town, clients consistently commend our professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to exceed expectations. These reviews reaffirm our commitment to building trusted partnerships and delivering impactful solutions.
See more of our client reviews on Clutch.
In 2024, Specno partnered with industry leaders and innovative startups to create digital solutions that drive real results. From boosting retail revenues to streamlining niche recruitment platforms, our portfolio showcases the diverse impact of our work this year.
With SA retail giant Ackermans, we played a pivotal role in their digital transformation, redesigning their online store to be more intuitive, secure, and customer-focused. This effort not only refreshed their brand perception but also increased monthly revenue by an impressive 42.86%.
For the yachting industry, we launched Yachtii, a recruitment app that streamlines networking and productivity for yacht crew and recruiters. Similarly, in the creator economy, we introduced Babble, a tool that empowers influencers to monetise their audiences through paid video calls, offering complete control and ensuring safety with advanced verification features.
Browse our entire portfolio or work.
This year, we reached an incredible milestone: a thriving LinkedIn community of 15,000 members. More than just a number, this represents a powerful network of tech innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers coming together to drive digital transformation.
Through initiatives like The Founders Den, the Specno123 newsletter, and hands-on workshops, we’ve built a space for insightful discussions and shared knowledge. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to continuing to innovate, connect, and create impact together.
2024 was a banner year for community engagement at Specno, as we hosted events that brought together leaders, innovators, and creators to spark collaboration and growth in South Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Our Cape Town Founders Den event drew over 200 business leaders, investors, and founders to our headquarters in March. Focused on fostering collaboration between corporates and entrepreneurs, the event featured a powerful panel of industry leaders, including Zamokuhle Thwala of AgriKool and Dr. Peta-Anne Browne of Wardworx, who shared insights on crafting winning partnerships in tech.
With support from NEXT176 and curated networking opportunities, Founders Den continues to be a key platform for elevating innovation in South Africa.
The Johannesburg Founders Den, held at Old Mutual’s stunning Mutual Place, brought the same energy to Gauteng. This gathering highlighted diverse voices, meaningful discussions, and a touch of delight with Baglios Gelato for attendees. Thank you to NEXT176 and the SA Innovation Summit for their incredible support in making these events a success.
In September, our Design Synergy Event brought together designers from across industries to explore themes like cross-functional collaboration and portfolio development. Inspiring talks, buzzing breakout rooms, and even speed design tests (congrats to returning champion Jenna!) created a vibrant space for the design community to connect and learn.
This year, Specno celebrated its sixth anniversary with a neon-themed birthday bash that was as vibrant as our journey. The evening featured a six-category quiz that sparked both fierce competition and hilarious moments. Burgers, sushi, and laughter filled the night, and the DJ brought the energy that got everyone dancing. This celebration was a testament to our wins, challenges, and growth over the past six years.
What does it take to go from one client to working with over 200? For Specno, the answer lies in a combination of ambition, strategy, and taking bold risks at the right time.
Starting with a single client in our first year, we expanded to four by the second, hit 40 in year three, and scaled to 100 by year four. Today, we proudly work with more than 200 companies worldwide. Pivotal projects in agritech and health tech gave us the blueprint for success, helping our clients achieve milestones like ARR of one million within months, raising millions in funding, and even successful exits.
These experiences taught us that growth is not just about numbers—it’s about frameworks, strategy, resilience, and execution. We now bring these lessons to every project, helping businesses achieve their full potential.
At Specno, team connection is a priority, and this year’s events highlighted just how much we value our people. One of the year’s standout gatherings was our Winter Wonderland after-work drinks, hosted by the Internal Operations team. Warm hot chocolate, marshmallows, glühwein, and cinnamon buns created the perfect atmosphere for a fun and cosy evening.
Our annual company getaway at Monkey Valley Resort in Noordhoek provided the perfect balance of relaxation, connection, and strategic focus. Over the weekend, the team spent half a day strategising and planning, while the rest was dedicated to team-building through shared meals, games, and plenty of downtime.
And we wrapped up an extraordinary year in true 007 style at the stunning Nitida Wine Farm. From spinning the roulette wheel to playing our hand at blackjack and poker, the casino vibes were in full swing.
This year, we continued our tradition of giving back with meaningful outreach initiatives. Our annual sandwich drive turned the office into a bustling sandwich factory, bringing the team together to prepare meals that were delivered to Ladles of Love, supporting vulnerable children and homeless individuals.
As winter approached, we also organised a clothing drive, with the team generously donating jackets and essentials to help those in need stay warm. These simple yet impactful acts remind us that small efforts can make a big difference in our community.
In 2024, Specno’s leadership team continued to shape critical conversations through prominent media platforms. Jacques Jordaan, CEO and co-founder, was featured in publications like Bizcommunity and IOL, where he explored the transformative potential of AI for South African businesses and emphasised the need for robust digital infrastructure to remain competitive.
Daniel Novitzkas, Co-Founder, contributed to Business Live, offering insights into the evolving retail landscape and the innovative strategies shaping the industry, including the impact of major players like Shoprite and Amazon.
2024 was a milestone year for Specno’s leadership, with both co-founders receiving prestigious accolades that underscored their impact and innovation in the tech ecosystem.
Jacques Jordaan was named one of Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans in the Business category. Recognised for his role in driving Specno’s vision and helping create solutions that have improved millions of lives, Jacques highlighted the transformative impact of technology on South African entrepreneurs and businesses. His leadership during pivotal moments, such as navigating the challenges of the pandemic, has been instrumental in shaping Specno’s journey.
Daniel Novitzkas was featured on the coveted Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list, celebrating his achievements in software development and technology solutions. As a trailblazer in the African tech industry, Daniel’s contributions reflect a commitment to fostering innovation and building digital solutions that drive economic growth and create opportunities across the continent.
As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear this has been a year of milestones, growth, and impact for Specno. From groundbreaking projects and thought leadership to fostering a thriving community and receiving prestigious awards, every achievement has been a testament to the collective effort of our incredible team, valued clients, and supportive network.
We step into the new year with ambitious goals and a renewed commitment to innovation, collaboration, and service excellence. Thank you for being part of our journey – here’s to making 2025 another year of transformative growth and success.
