We Started With A Simple Question
Back in 2019, I was watching another business owner struggle with a communication breakdown that cost them a major contract. The financials were solid. Their service was excellent. But the way they presented their numbers? It confused everyone in the room.
That's when it clicked. Most businesses don't fail because of bad finances—they fail because they can't communicate their financial story effectively. So I started Upau Boost to bridge that gap.
We work with businesses across South Africa who need their numbers to speak clearly to investors, partners, and teams. Not through jargon or complex reports, but through straightforward communication that actually makes sense.
How We Actually Work
Here's what we noticed over the years: finance professionals speak one language, business owners speak another, and investors speak a third. Everyone's frustrated because nobody understands each other.
Our approach is different. We translate financial data into clear business communications that everyone can understand. Whether it's preparing investor presentations, crafting quarterly reports, or simplifying budget discussions—we focus on clarity first.
We're not trying to impress anyone with fancy terminology. We care about whether your stakeholders actually understand what you're telling them.
What We Stand For (And What We Don't)
Honest Numbers
We present financial information accurately, even when it's uncomfortable. Sugarcoating figures helps no one and damages trust long-term.
Plain Language
If your board members need a finance degree to understand your quarterly report, we've failed. Complexity isn't sophistication—it's usually just poor communication.
Context Matters
Numbers without context are just data. We explain what figures mean for your specific business situation and what actions they might suggest.
Realistic Timelines
Good financial communication takes time to develop properly. We won't rush projects just to meet arbitrary deadlines if it compromises quality.
Cultural Awareness
Working across South Africa's diverse business landscape means understanding that communication styles vary. We adapt our approach to fit your audience.
No False Promises
We can help you communicate your financial position clearly. We can't guarantee investor funding or business growth—anyone who promises that is lying.
Our Journey So Far
Starting Point
Launched with three clients in Durban who needed help presenting financial updates to their investors. Learned quickly that every business has unique communication challenges.
Expanding Services
Added quarterly report preparation and board presentation support after multiple clients asked for ongoing assistance. Started working with businesses beyond Durban.
Team Growth
Brought on additional advisors with expertise in investor relations and stakeholder communications. This let us take on more complex projects without sacrificing quality.
Current Focus
Working with 30+ businesses across various sectors. Developing workshops to help finance teams improve their own communication skills. Still learning something new from every client.
Who's Actually Doing The Work
Naledi Sibanyoni
Founder & Principal Advisor
I spent eight years in corporate finance before starting Upau Boost. During that time, I watched countless good businesses struggle because they couldn't explain their financial position clearly to the people who mattered.
What frustrated me most was seeing entrepreneurs with solid business models get rejected by investors simply because their presentations were confusing. The numbers were there. The opportunity was real. But the communication failed them.
These days I work directly with business owners to transform their financial data into clear, compelling communications. I also train their teams so they can maintain that clarity going forward.
Outside of work, I'm usually reading business biographies or trying new restaurants around Durban. I'm convinced the best business insights often come from completely unrelated industries.
