The South African version of business-focused reality format Shark Tank is set to return for a second season four years on from its debut in the country.

Produced in partnership with pan-African investment company Beryl Group, the show will begin filming in early 2021. A broadcaster has yet to be confirmed.

In the format, which originated in Japan as Dragons’ Den and has been adapted around the world, entrepreneurs pitch their business to a panel of potential investors (‘Dragons’/’Sharks’), who decide whether they want to offer financial backing.

The new season of the South African version will feature diverse range of Sharks, from self-made multimillionaires to billionaire tycoons. They are: South African billionaire and reality TV star Quinton van der Burgh of Quinton Van Der Burgh Investments; UN Global Award honouree and entrepreneur Jasmine Pega; Lebo Gunguluza, serial entrepreneur and chairman of the Gem group of companies; tech entrepreneur Prashanthi Akaloo; and a fifth investor who will be revealed soon.

Beryl Group chairman Neverl Kambasha said: “We have been investing in entrepreneurs for a significant amount of time. There’s no doubt that Africa is the next frontier, and with that, the driving force of changing the economic landscape on the continent will be entrepreneurs.

“The possibilities of unearthing innovation, creativity and uncovering the next big thing are endless, hence we deemed it necessary to further invest in entrepreneurship. We look forward to seeing potential unleashed.”

Van der Burgh added: “We have just come out of a very tough year and there are a lot of people looking to recreate themselves. There are a lot of innovative ideas that will come out in the new era.”

The first season of Shark Tank SA was produced by BBC-backed production company Rapid Blue for M-Net in 2016.

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