MI Capital, Maharishi Institute and 36ONE announce transformative partnership

Every so often, a partnership comes along that reminds us what true investment is all about. Not only in capital and returns, but in people, education and possibility.

CN&CO friend and collaborator, Yaakov Goldfein of MI Capital, has played a key role in one such milestone — a landmark B-BBEE transaction between MI Capital, the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII) and 36ONE Asset Management.

This deal sees a consortium led by MI Capital — including 36ONE staff and youth communities from MII through The Invincible Empowerment Trust — acquire a 22% stake in 36ONE Asset Management, one of South Africa’s most respected investment firms.

For CN&CO’s Carel Nolte, who also serves as chief enablement officer at Purple Group, this story has personal resonance. He and Yaakov first connected on social media over their shared enthusiasm for EasyEquities, a brand both believe has democratised investing in South Africa. Their friendship grew into a partnership of ideas — and, fittingly, a shared belief that financial inclusion and education are inseparable.

Yaakov was among the early investors in Purple Group, the company behind EasyEquities, and through MI Capital continues to help Purple and its subsidiaries meet their transformation goals. MI Capital’s guidance helped EasyRetire achieve Level 1 B-BBEE status earlier this year — a proud milestone that reflects the company’s long-term commitment to empowerment.

The new partnership with 36ONE continues this momentum on a national scale.

Empowerment through education

The Maharishi Invincibility Institute has a remarkable story of its own. Co-founded by Dr Taddy Blecher, the Institute provides free-access, world-class education to thousands of young South Africans. Based in Johannesburg’s CBD, it has transformed the lives of more than 25 000 graduates, contributing an estimated R80 billion in earnings to the South African economy.

Through MI Capital, MII extends its impact by building a perpetual bursary fund aimed at providing over 100 000 young South Africans with access to education, jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. The investment partnership with 36ONE will accelerate this mission, ensuring the benefits of the deal flow directly to learners and communities.

Shared values, shared vision

Founded by Cy Jacobs and Steven Liptz in 2004, 36ONE manages more than R60 billion in assets and has a reputation for excellence in asset and hedge fund management. In announcing the partnership, both Cy and Steven highlighted the power of combining financial growth with human development — an ethos that resonates strongly with MII’s educational purpose.

Taddy expressed deep gratitude for 36ONE’s “visionary commitment to empowering unemployed youth and giving back to our country,” while Darren Kramer, CEO of MI Capital, described the transaction as “a testament to the power of purpose-driven investment.”

A partnership that pays forward

At its heart, this is a story about alignment — of values, vision and purpose. It’s about a world where investment fuels not just wealth, but opportunity.

As Carel notes, “Working with people like Yaakov and institutions like MII reminds us that empowerment is most meaningful when it creates access. Whether it’s through investing on EasyEquities or funding a student’s education, the goal is the same: helping more South Africans take part in the economy.”