New Look, Same Commitment

Buddha famously said that we should not dwell in the past or dream of the future, instead we should concentrate on the present moment only. We agree with the first part, but less so with the latter sentiments. 

In our experience, it’s essential to look to the past and take what you need, such as vital lessons learnt from mistakes made; be mindful of the present moment; and intentionally chart a course towards the future.

In particular, we see tremendous value in reviewing our own company history. History provides a more sophisticated understanding of how it all began and what transpired to bring the business into the here and now. It reminds us of our values, resilience, honours the sacrifices made, and creates an identity that both customers and employees can embrace in the most natural, authentic way. It also reminds stakeholders and interested consumers that success doesn’t happen overnight.  

It is, in fact, one of the most powerful tools we have for shaping the future.

In light of the recent launch of the Huge Group’s rebrand, which we are eager to celebrate, we have also decided to briefly look back on the journey that Huge Connect has taken.

The Huge Group Brand

Huge Group is a South African-born, purpose-led investment company that creates more meaningful value through strategic investments in predominantly technology-focused and related sectors. Over the past 15 years, the Group has evolved from its roots in the telecommunications industry to an investment holding company, with a focus on the connectivity, cloud, software, and xTech sectors.

Notably, Huge has been listed on the JSE’s Alt-X board since August 2007, before moving to the Main Board of the JSE in 2016. 

Why Refresh The Brand?

Simply put, the Group isn’t just another investment company. Primarily this is down to the fact that the company prides itself on its reliance on passionate, intelligent, and driven people to create its value. Importantly, it gives these people space to challenge what doesn’t work and mirror the Group’s values in order to deliver exceptional results. 

This unique people-focus and clarity of purpose sets the Group apart in who it chooses to employ, invest in, and raise as leaders.

The question then becomes, as the world moves ever forward and increasingly becomes digitised, how can the Group continue with its purpose, remain relevant, and demonstrate its commitment to meaningful investments rather than simple transactions?

The answer lies in the careful rebranding journey that the Group has undergone. Shedding a few of its traditional elements, the rebrand has enabled the Group to calibrate its business model, as well as the look and feel in order to better articulate the values that underpin its culture and way of working. 

In short, armed with a fresh logo and strong ambitions, the Group believes that the new aesthetic will highlight its desire to understand every detail, learn about the people and their process, and immerse itself in the minutiae of every business it considers. 

A Glance Back 

Huge Connect began in 2004 as ConnectNet with the view to resolve the problem of all data communications for POS card terminals operating on the legacy X.25 Saponet network. Understanding that a more effective data provision could be achieved on the GSM mobile networks, the founding members of ConnectNet brought out their own solution. 

It was the start of a new and exciting era for businesses in South Africa, who could take advantage of data connectivity services without the enormous cost of building a national communications network. 

Fast forward to 2017, when ConnectNet was acquired by the Huge Group. The Group had taken notice of the company’s excellent and dedicated provision of services and products that contributed to their clients in meaningful ways. This innovative and passionate mandate strongly echoed the Group’s own ethos and after a thorough due diligence, ConnectNet was acquired in its entirety.

Today, Huge Connect boast over 200 years’ worth of collective executive-heavy experience and offer a vast range of secure connectivity solutions to both JSE listed companies and small-to-medium (SME) businesses across South Africa. 

Moving Forward With The Group 

As an investee company, we are fully in step with the values and ambitions embraced by the Group, and equally, we believe in our people, our products, and the service we provide our customers.

It is this determination that has enabled us to deploy over 400k managed SIM services, handle over 150 million financial transactions through our PCI network, and facilitate the continued growth of over 20 000 direct and 50 000 indirect customers through trusted, cost-effective connectivity solutions that work.

We are ‘hugely’ proud of the Group’s rebrand and privileged to be associated with the long-term strategy to offer even better services to our customers.

If you want our expertise to find the right connectivity solution that will bridge the gap between what’s digitally possible and what your business is capable of, then get in touch.

Let’s connect.