“Getting from 1 to 100 takes a lot – long-term focus, passion, consistency, tenacity, and a smart approach,” Announced Jacques Conradie at their recent launch in Sandton of their latest partnership with the Rugby Centurions Foundation.
As the only hedge fund manager in South Africa to have ever returned 100 times its initial investment to investors via its flagship High Growth and Pure Hedge funds, Peregrine Capital knows what it takes to achieve 100 times*.
Since its inception on 1 February 2000, Peregrine Capital's flagship High Growth Fund, which invests in the fund manager’s best investment ideas across the equity market and other asset classes while assuming moderate levels of risk, has delivered a remarkable 18,815% return (SA MA High Equity: 1,193% | FTSE/JSE Capped SWIX: 1,898%, as of June 30, 2025). That means R1 million invested at the fund's inception would be worth more than R180 million today*.
In 2020, following two decades of market-beating performances, including a 31.90% return in 2002, the High Growth Fund became the first fund in South African history to achieve a 100x (10,000%) net return for investors*.
“Our investment philosophy offers downside protection, with less reliance on market performance than standard unit trust funds, along with uncorrelated returns that provide diversification benefits in investment portfolios,” explains Peregrine Capital Chief Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager, Jacques Conradie.
The Peregrine Pure Hedge Fund has since joined this incredibly exclusive club, becoming the second fund in South Africa to pass the 100 times barrier, delivering a 103x return since inception. Impressively, the Pure Hedge Fund has never had a negative year since its inception in July 1998*.
In sport, the number 100 is woven into the fabric of achievement, with 100 international rugby test caps the quintessential measure of skill, consistency and longevity. Few athletes reach this milestone as it demands a decade or more of playing at the highest level while withstanding injury, form slumps, and selection pressure.
“Whether in sport or finance, a century signals something extraordinary, which is why we are incredibly proud and excited to announce a new partnership between Peregrine Capital and The Rugby Centurions Foundation,” continues Conradie.
The foundation is a non-profit organisation that honours elite players who have reached 100 international test caps or more for their country. The partnership will not only celebrate their achievements but also contribute to a legacy by raising funds that the Rugby Centurions support, such as the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players' Fund, which ensures support for seriously injured rugby players.
“Much like the Centurions, who represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement with 100+ international test caps, Peregrine Capital's flagship funds have surpassed the 100x milestone in investment returns, creating a powerful bond between these two extraordinary journeys,” adds Conradie. “This partnership reflects our shared belief in investing in performance and playing the long game.”
John Smit commented to say, “The number 100 represents a clear threshold and very few do achieve it. It implies resilience, focus, professionalism, consistency, passion, discipline, and determination. These qualities are the bedrock that forms the foundation for a rugby player’s journey to reach 100 international test caps. We saw these shared values reflected in Peregrine Capital, too, which is why this partnership made sense to us.”
Conradie says the commonality of these qualities was exactly why Peregrine Capital jumped at the opportunity. “Reaching 100 is a milestone that defines careers, creates legends, and commands respect. It’s not just a sign of success, it represents significance,” concludes Conradie.
Through this partnership, Peregrine Capital will bring the Centurions' legacy into the spotlight with exclusive events, marketing campaigns, and content that highlight the core values of endurance, performance, and determination. These very qualities define both legendary athletes and superior investors on the journey of what it takes to go from 1 to 100. DM
For more information, visit Peregrine.