At Yoco, we don’t just champion merchants - we embody their spirit, harness their drive and build alongside them.

Our recent company-wide all-hands, Yoco Discover ’25, brought all 400+ of us from across the globe to our Cape Town headquarters.

This event was a reflection of who we are, a moment of collective focus that will extend far beyond the day itself and ignite the connections that propel our mission forward.

A gathering of thriving minds, powered by our merchants

Our merchants drove every aspect of Yoco Discover ’25. They were the lifeblood of the experience.

Orchestrated by our in-house events coordinator in partnership with LimitlessEvents and the merchants who inspire us, this event brought that audacious vision to life - proving what’s possible when we unite.

Every aspect of the event was shaped by our merchants’ expertise. From the AV setup ensuring seamless sound and visuals to the carefully curated decorations and music that set the rhythm for the day, their contributions were at the heart of the experience.

Cape Town’s coffee maestros, Pang Specialty Coffee and Yebo Baba, kept us energised and buzzing, while New York Bagels and The Poke Co. delighted our taste buds with bold, irresistible flavours. Thirst Bar Services had us refreshed and hydrated from the crack of dawn until late into the night.

The market-style dinner, with SIBS, Zuney Wagyu, Pizza Shed, Kapoochka, Obsessionscpt, FrozenFaves, Oh My Frys, Oompa Loompa Treats, Al Mashawi and Joe & Co, kept the fire alive. They provided a space to revel, connect and forge bonds that will echo into the work ahead.

This was no ordinary setup; it was a living celebration of the ingenuity and tenacity we share with those we serve, a bond that does not fade when the lights dim.

Living the values of Thrive 2.0

“Thrive” has always been Yoco’s mantra. It’s a call to unlock potential for both our merchants and ourselves.

This year’s event theme, Thrive 2.0, embodies our commitment to growth through connection. It’s driving us forward from revolutionising payments into our next chapter: to transform commerce.

This isn’t just for show. It’s a signal for what’s to come in 2025 and represents our commitment to exponential growth.

Energy that ignites and connects

The day crackled with merchant energy, a mirror that reflected our grit and fire.

Our Co-Founder, Carl Wazen, took the stage as MC and blended mindfulness with razor-sharp wit. Katlego Maphai, CEO, seized the moment with a deeply personal vision of a winning team that’s forged in strength and unity. It left us breathless, filled with determination and grounded in purpose.

And Lungisa Matshoba, CPO, doubled down and unveiled a product ecosystem so fiercely merchant-centric it felt like a challenge to the status quo - an arsenal built to help our merchants conquer.

Our Product Showcase, a staple of Yoco Discover, offered us the behind-the-counter experience to get a feel for the merchant’s world. It allowed us to understand how our products feel and function. This level of connection enables teams throughout the organisation to collaborate, share and engage with the product.

Then came the gumboot dance hosted by the Drum Cafe, a raw, stomping unity that fused our global crew into a single, unbreakable force. With our merchants’ spirit coursing through us, we transformed connection into momentum.

A merchant’s voice as our collective inspiration

Our keynote speaker, Sheldon Tatchell, founder of Legends Barber, didn’t just speak - he inspired us all. His journey from Eldorado Park to becoming a South African icon, marked by humility and focus, resonated with our own ambition.

Sheldon presented to us on his birthday. More than a gesture, it pointed to his commitment to success. We’re truly grateful for his decision to celebrate with us, and his words reinforced the connection we share with the community that fuels our growth.

A feedback loop that fuels connection

Yoco Discover ’25 wasn’t a one-off, but rather a declaration carved in action. Our merchants were represented in each fibre of the day. Their spark fuels us and we pour that energy back into their world.

The laughter, lessons and shared vision didn’t fade with the day’s end - they became part of how we innovate, push forward and rise together.

Leading the way in 2025

As Yoco Discover ’25 wrapped, one truth stood out: this wasn’t just an event - it was a reflection of our mission.

Yoco has always blazed the trail for thriving and Thrive 2.0 marks our next charge: fiercer, bolder and unstoppable. It’s about people, about connection, about equipping every dreamer with the tools to win.

The energy, the insights, the unbreakable ties forged here don’t dissipate. They’re the fuel in our veins that powers every merchant we lift, every boundary we shatter and every future we shape.

This day wasn’t a pause; it was a launch pad. What happens at Yoco Discover doesn’t remain there; it’s the silent roar that propels us. A united team, relentless and prepared for the battle ahead.