Gregory Daynes
Growth Director
Cape Town
Summary
Entrepreneurial business leader with 12+ years’ experience founding, scaling, and exiting companies across sustainability, agri-tech, FMCG, and energy efficiency. Proven ability to design and grow ventures from start-up through to successful exit. Experienced in operations, strategy, ESG implementation, and financial oversight, with strong commercial acumen and a track record of closing large contracts and expanding market share. Currently leading Future Farms, a climate-smart farming venture recognized by the African Development Bank as Best Startup of the Year, and Impact Nexus Africa, a platform focused on sustainability and impact development. Skilled at bridging environmental consulting, business development, and financial leadership to help companies grow, secure funding, and meet sustainability objectives.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Impact Nexus Africa
2023.01 - Current
- Driving ESG advisory and sustainability initiatives, supporting businesses and governments in aligning with impact-driven growth models.
Operations Director
Genesis CBD
2021.01 - Current
- Co-founded a hemp cultivation company for export to the US/EU. Negotiated offtake contracts, licenses, and compliance structures.
Co-Founder & Director
Future Farms
2018.01 - Current
- Leading South Africa’s top hydroponics contractor, building 28+ commercial and rooftop farms, pioneering LED grow light R&D, and establishing indoor farming facilities. Head of consulting and finance. Winner of the African Development Bank Youth Empowerment Award.
Founder & Exit
Africraft Emporium
2020.01 - 2022.01
- Created an e-commerce platform for African craft exports during COVID-19. Grew into a sellable enterprise and exited in 2022.
Buy Improve & Exit
SnackAttack
2016.01 - 2020.01
- Developed a quick-service food venture, scaling operations into a profitable business before exiting.
Founder & Exit
Halon Energy Partners
2015.01 - 2020.01
- Built an energy efficiency solutions company, led consulting and financial management, and secured contracts with Unilever, Pepsico, RCL Foods, and SPAR. Successfully sold the business in 2020.
Environmental Consultant
WSP
2012.01 - 2015.01
- Environmental consultant at WSP and sustainability department at Woolworths, with projects in remediation, compliance auditing, water strategy, and sustainability audits.
Education
BA (Hons) - Environmental Water Management
Rhodes University
01.2011
Executive short courses - Finance, Accounting, Marketing & Sustainability
BA - Environmental Science & Geography
Rhodes University
01.2010
Skills
- Business Growth & Operations Strategy
- Sustainability & ESG Leadership
- Financial Oversight & Deal Structuring
- Impact & Climate-Smart Agriculture
- Business Development & Partnerships
- Venture Building & Exits
Awards
Best Startup of the Year – African Development Bank, Youth Empowerment Competition (Future Farms)
Timeline
Founder
Impact Nexus Africa
2023.01 - Current
Operations Director
Genesis CBD
2021.01 - Current
Founder & Exit
Africraft Emporium
2020.01 - 2022.01
Co-Founder & Director
Future Farms
2018.01 - Current
Buy Improve & Exit
SnackAttack
2016.01 - 2020.01
Founder & Exit
Halon Energy Partners
2015.01 - 2020.01
Environmental Consultant
WSP
2012.01 - 2015.01
Executive short courses - Finance, Accounting, Marketing & Sustainability
BA - Environmental Science & Geography
Rhodes University
BA (Hons) - Environmental Water Management
Rhodes University