In South Africa, the construction industry often relies on access to the right tools, technology, and opportunities. But across the nation, valuable machinery often gathers dust, while critical projects are put on hold due to limited equipment availability.
One South African entrepreneur, Tebogo Mpe [27] saw this inefficiency not just as a setback, but as a chance to drive real change. His solution was Asset Share, a digital platform revolutionizing how the construction industry rents and manages heavy machinery.
“My inspiration came from witnessing the daily struggles of contractors and operators on construction sites. Professionals who often lacked access to essential equipment, not because it didn’t exist, but because it wasn’t connected,” Tebogo says.
AssetShare connects equipment owners with contractors who need short-term rentals quickly and transparently. It’s a simple but powerful idea that brings all the key players of construction into one trusted online space where availability, pricing, and logistics are streamlined in real time.
The platform is an easy-to-use online marketplace, users can search for equipment by location, compare prices instantly, and book seamlessly, cutting out admin delays and saving valuable time on site.
Tebogo’s vision extends beyond commercial success. His mission is to democratize access to industrial resources and build a more inclusive economy, where small-scale contractors and independent owners can thrive alongside major construction firms.
“I wanted to build something that closes the gap,” he explains. “Every hour a machine sits unused is a lost opportunity not just for business, but for the people relying on that project to move forward.”
AssetShare’s growth has been accelerated through its participation in the DSTI × Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) Venture Building Programme, an initiative dedicated to supporting South Africa’s most promising tech startups.
Now completing Phase 3 of the program, the AssetShare team has benefited from mentorship, strategic guidance, and exposure to industry partners and investors. Their innovation was most recently showcased during EPF Tech Week, where AssetShare was recognized for its tangible social and economic impact within South Africa’s digital construction economy.
“The program has helped us strengthen our foundation not just in business strategy, but in purpose,” says Tebogo. “We’ve learned that collaboration is as important as innovation.”
Asset Share was recently featured on The Social Impact Show with Samm Marshall on 91.9 FM, where Tebogo shared Asset Share’s journey and the broader vision of using technology to drive access and inclusion in South Africa’s construction space.
The live conversation offered listeners a glimpse into how technology can transform traditional industries proving that progress isn’t only about building structures, but also about building systems that work for everyone.
Looking Ahead, Asset Share is building a shared future, while challenges remain from shifting industry mindsets to scaling nationally, AssetShare’s direction is clear. The team envisions expanding across Africa within the next few years, turning local innovation into continental progress.
Asset Share sees a future where finding equipment is as easy as booking accommodation online.
As Tebogo Mpe puts it best:
“We make access effortless, and growth inevitable.”
“We’re not just sharing equipment, we’re sharing opportunity.”
And in that simple idea lies the foundation for South Africa’s next great build.
