Matthew Donnell never set out to chase status or wealth. From an early age, he was more interested in building something that mattered, something that could outlast him. Raised in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in a diverse household with a mix of cultures and perspectives, Matthew quickly learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all version of success. That understanding would become a core part of who he is and how he builds.
“I’ve always wanted to create something of my own that made a meaningful impact,” he says. “Not something tied to a job title, but something that could live on and help others.”
Today, he’s doing just that. While holding a full-time corporate role in banking, Matthew has founded three purpose-driven businesses, with a fourth on the way. Each one speaks to his belief in education, innovation, and unlocking potential, especially for the youth of Africa. And he’s doing it on his own terms.
A Mind for Legacy, A Heart for Change
“I’ve lived my whole life in KZN, South Africa, and grew up in a very mixed family background,” Matthew shares. “It gave me an appreciation for the different journeys we all go through, and the understanding that we all define a happy life in different ways.”
That early exposure to diversity sparked his desire to build something inclusive, personal, and lasting. “I’ve always wanted to be someone who built a legacy within South Africa, not one attached to a specific career, but rather something I created that could make a significant impact on others.”
His academic path played a role, but in an unexpected way. “I completed my BBA (, but the most valuable educational choice I made was learning how to research,” he says. “It helped me look beyond opinions and get to the root of the truth before making decisions.”
Four Businesses and One Steady Job
At the time of writing, Matthew has founded or co-founded three businesses, with a fourth set to launch later this year. And surprisingly, he’s done all of this while maintaining a full-time job in credit risk management within the banking sector.
“I’m a very risk-averse person and tend to lean into sustainable practices more than I should,” he says. That practicality shaped his strategy: “I’ve kept my corporate role while starting and running my three businesses. While this may have slowed down my growth, it gave each venture breathing room, freedom from immediate pressure to profit.”
It’s a slower but deeply intentional approach and it’s working.
Educ’ish: A New Model for Learning
Among his ventures, Educ’ish stands out not just for its mission, but for its results. “Educ’ish is a NPO in South Africa that provides free ‘alternative’ education to all in South Africa and the greater continent,” Matthew explains. “With a focus on confidence building, self-development, and entrepreneurship, this is the perfect learning platform for the youth in Africa to find their passions!”
So far, the impact is tangible: “Over the past four years, we’ve seen just over 29,000 user sessions and engagement with over 211,000 content segments. The platform is used by several NGOs and youth development organisations across the continent.”
More Than Just Profit: Innovation and Inclusion
Alongside Educ’ish is Workeneur, a business innovation training platform. “Workeneur focuses on intrapreneurship and innovative action within businesses. We provide an educational platform and corporate facilitation to drive measurable ROI and help create a culture of innovation,” Matthew says.
Then there’s SwapVend, a bold new platform being built for South Africa’s informal market. “It aims to provide better visibility, access to markets, personal development, and a bridge between the informal and formal sectors.”
He’s not done yet. A fourth platform, BIP, is in the works. “It’s a mentorship-focused platform, probably my last build before I move into a new chapter. We’re planning to launch in late 2025. Keep an eye out for it!”
All these platforms are connected by one thread: they’re designed to give others the tools to thrive.
A Builder Through and Through
Matthew’s journey from freelancer to founder is marked by a pivotal decision: “I decided to stop selling my time to build the dreams of others and rather focus on my own creations.” That shift didn’t come easy, but it gave him back his agency and his purpose.
What’s striking is his focus not on product-market fit or scalability, but on listening. “There is no specific trend or emerging technological space I would generally focus on. The main driver of my decisions is always user feedback and problem solving.”
He doesn’t chase hype. He solves problems.
The Hardest Challenge: Communication
Despite his success, Matthew is quick to admit the road has had its challenges, especially when it comes to people. “The hardest part of any business is relationships,” he says. “We are all smart enough and capable of overcoming any challenge we face, but how we manage those relationships within that context is what makes the biggest difference.”
“The biggest skill I have been forced to develop over my years in business has been ‘communication’. Being able to speak with meaning, and in a pro-active manner is a buzz word that is thrown around but not always mastered!”
Giving Back to the Dreamers
In his limited spare time, Matthew participates in youth development and entrepreneurship events as a speaker and panelist. “I was inspired by many builders before me, and I want others to pursue their dreams with the same sense of possibility.”
That passion also fuels his advice to new entrepreneurs: “All you need is a single value proposition. With that one offering, you can start and grow it to new heights. Don’t wait until you’ve built your entire dream, start when you have one thing of value that people are willing to pay for. Your journey will be shaped by the real needs of your customers.”
Looking Ahead
Matthew is particularly excited about how technology is lowering barriers for entrepreneurs. “The constant growth and evolution of tech has really dropped the barrier of entry for all entrepreneurs and dreamers to create their own value.” He advises new founders to “build something that is yours” and to “own as much of the physical and digital assets as possible.”
He’s also intrigued by the future. “Outside of digital tech, I really enjoy seeing the developments in the spaces of robotics and sustainable resources. “There are some incredible people doing revolutionary work in those fields. That could be my next business avenue once the platform phase is complete.”
Never Giving Up
After all he’s built and all he still hopes to create, Matthew reflects with clarity: “Determination is the only thing you need. With it, you will never fail! If you can master the art of never truly giving up, then the solution is always around the corner…”
In a world obsessed with fast wins and flashy launches, Matthew Donnell is walking a different road, one paved with patience, powered by purpose, and leading to something far greater than business: a legacy.
