“Naspers” is a name derived from the original Dutch name of the company, “Nasionale Pers” (National Press). The name was originally associated with the company’s beginnings as a newspaper publisher in South Africa. Over time, as the company evolved into a global internet and entertainment group, the name “Naspers” was retained, but now it is more associated with its role as a major technology investor and its broad portfolio in the global internet and entertainment industries. The name itself does not have a specific meaning beyond its historical association with the company’s roots in the national press of South Africa.

Naspers means what?

Naspers is a global internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world, with a remarkable history that reflects the evolution of both the media and technology sectors over the past century.

History and Evolution:

1. Founded in 1915: Naspers was established in South Africa in 1915 as “De Nationale Pers” (The National Press). Initially, it was a newspaper publisher, starting with its first newspaper “De Burger,” which later became “Die Burger.”
2. Expansion into Broadcasting: Throughout the 20th century, Naspers expanded into broadcasting, launching the M-Net cable television network in 1986. This marked its shift towards becoming a diversified media company.
3. Entry into the Internet and Technology Sector: In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Naspers made a strategic shift towards the internet and technology. This period was marked by its most notable investment: a $34 million stake in Tencent in 2001, which has grown exponentially in value and represents one of the most successful tech investments ever.
4. Global Expansion: Naspers has invested in various technology companies globally, including Mail.ru (a leading internet company in Russia), Flipkart (an Indian e-commerce company), and OLX (an online classifieds platform). It has a presence in more than 130 countries.
5. Prosus Spin-off: In 2019, Naspers spun off its international internet assets into Prosus, which was listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. This move was part of a strategy to address the market discount placed on Naspers due to its outsized investment in Tencent.

Current Focus:

Today, Naspers is a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors, focusing on areas such as online classifieds, payments and fintech, food delivery, e-retail, travel, education, and health. Its significant stake in Tencent is a cornerstone of its investment portfolio. The company has a reputation for taking long-term positions in growth sectors and is known for its strategic investment approach, particularly in emerging markets.

Naspers’ journey from a local newspaper publisher to a global internet and entertainment powerhouse is a notable example of strategic evolution and adaptation in the rapidly changing media and technology landscapes.