FasterCapital welcomes Cannabus Company to EquityPilot to scale GMP-certified cannabis cosmetics
Cape Town, South Africa & Dubai, UAE — Feb 11 2026
South Africa’s cosmetics sector is growing and consumers are shifting toward evidence-backed, plant-based care. Cannabus Company enters the market with a medicinal cannabis-infused body butter that targets inflammation and muscle pain while aligning with rising demand for sustainable, locally sourced beauty products. FasterCapital’s EquityPilot will support commercialization and operational scale-up for GMP-grade manufacturing to capture this momentum.
What the Startup Delivers?
Cannabus Company (Pty) Ltd manufactures Cannabus Hempseed Body Butter (250 ml), a plant-based topical formulated in collaboration with CSIR. The product blends hempseed, rosehip, lavender and chamomile oils with a shea butter base to address dry skin, inflammation and muscle discomfort. The company plans a state-of-the-art 1,500 m² GMP-certified extraction and manufacturing facility in OR Tambo SEZ, enabling control over extraction, formulation and quality assurance.
Why Now?
Regulatory progress, rising consumer preference for multifunctional natural cosmetics, and advances in cannabis agro-processing create a narrow window to establish differentiated manufacturing capabilities in South Africa. Cannabus’s early commercial product, CSIR partnership, and a clear plan to move production in-house position the company to convert market interest into scale.
Program Plan (first 30–60 days)
Through EquityPilot, Cannabus Company and FasterCapital will: - Finalize a detailed 12–month execution roadmap for facility construction, equipment procurement (CO2 SFE, mixers, fill/pack lines) and GMP certification preparation. - Begin investor outreach and introduce Cannabus to distribution partners prioritized in Gauteng, KZN and Western Cape. - Support CRM and go-to-market playbook development to accelerate sales channels (pharmacies, higher-end retail, e-commerce).
Leadership Comment
Hesham Zreik, Founder and CEO of FasterCapital, said: ‘We’re excited to support Cannabus Company through EquityPilot. Our team will focus on execution milestones and connecting the startup with the right ecosystem stakeholders.’
Next 90 Days
Cannabus will complete detailed equipment procurement lists, validate contractor timelines with Pharmout, refine unit economics for in-house production, and begin targeted retail outreach and marketing pilots. FasterCapital will support fundraising readiness, introduce potential offtake conversations, and monitor progress against milestones.
Founder background
Founded in 2019 by Prestige Mbito (BSc Actuarial Science; BSc Hons Financial Mathematics), Cannabus has developed initial commercial formulations and secured trademark protection while leveraging CSIR for contract manufacturing and R&D. Ecosystem relevance: Locating production in OR Tambo SEZ provides logistics advantages and aligns with regional industrial development incentives for agro-processing.
About Cannabus Company
Cannabus Company (Pty) Ltd develops and manufactures cannabis-infused skincare products rooted in South African botanical ingredients. The company’s first market product, Cannabus Hempseed Body Butter, targets inflammation and muscle discomfort with evidence-driven formulations and plans to operate a GMP-certified extraction and manufacturing facility.
About FasterCapital
FasterCapital supports startups globally by providing execution-focused support, fundraising readiness guidance, and access to an ecosystem of mentors, partners, and investors. Through programs such as EquityPilot, FasterCapital helps founders strengthen strategy, refine materials, and accelerate progress toward measurable milestones.
