Grace Ashiru
South African accommodation booking platform LekkeSlaap has been acquired by a consortium of local investors, marking a significant ownership transition for one of the country’s established travel technology businesses.
The acquisition was jointly led by private investment firms Bellair Road Investment Partners and Janic Capital, alongside the Ferreira Family Office, Moolman Family Office and Investec.
The transaction also marks the departure of LekkeSlaap co-founders Jonathan Womersley and Marcel van de Ghinste, together with several long-standing shareholders.
Although the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the acquisition keeps the travel booking business under South African ownership.
LekkeSlaap’s entrepreneurial journey began with a travel technology startup established in 2009, before the accommodation booking platform officially launched in 2013.
Since then, the business has expanded into one of Southern Africa’s recognised online accommodation marketplaces, connecting travellers with more than 40,000 properties.
The company has facilitated accommodation bookings for over nine million guests since its establishment, offering access to hotels, guesthouses, holiday homes, resorts and other lodging options.
Despite the ownership changes, LekkeSlaap will continue operating under its existing leadership team, headed by chief executive officer Frans Joubert.
Members of the management team have also invested alongside the acquiring consortium, demonstrating their continued financial involvement in the business.
Under the new ownership structure, Herman Bosman has been appointed chairman, bringing experience from leadership roles at OUTsurance, RMB Holdings and RMI Holdings.
Robert Paddock, co-founder of GetSmarter and Valenture Institute, has also joined the board. Both executives participated as investors.
The new shareholders plan to support LekkeSlaap’s next stage of expansion through technology improvements, stronger partnerships and continued investment in its accommodation booking services.
The acquisition represents a new chapter for the business following more than a decade of growth under its founding shareholders.
With established investors and existing executives guiding operations, LekkeSlaap aims to strengthen its position in Southern Africa’s travel technology market while continuing to serve accommodation providers and travellers.
