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We partner with Seedstars World to host a countrywide competition to find the best start-up in SA
TeamSouthAfrica
Senior Member

SeedStar1.jpg

 

Seedstars World, the global startup competition for emerging markets around the globe, is returning to South Africa to find the most promising start-ups from throughout the country.

 

With us as a partner, the organisation will host pre-selection events in Cape Town, Durban and Soweto, inviting the top three fledgling enterprises from each city to the finale in Johannesburg, which will be hosted at our Incubator in Rosebank. From there, the winners will be summoned to pitch at the Seedstars Summit in Switzerland, competing against innovative SMEs from 65 countries for US$1 million in start-up capital and the opportunity to network with investors and mentors from around the world.

 

According to Marcello Schermer, Regional Manager for Africa at Seedstars World, South Africa has already proven that it has world-class entrepreneurial talent: Last year’s global winner was home-grown start-up Giraffe, a company that actively reduces unemployment by empowering job seekers with better access to job opportunities, and employers with the ability to find the best candidates using mobile and internet technology available to everyone.

 

Though Giraffe walked away with the big prize of the 2015 competition, other competitors also ‘won’. Since competing at the Seedstars Summit, previous participants have collectively raised over US$61 million and provided employment to more than 400 employees worldwide.

 

Jayshree Naidoo, Head of the Standard Bank Incubator, asserts that Seedstars World is a great partner to mobilise support and exposure for the start-up community in South Africa and the African continent, while Mr Marcello in turn adds that the organisation has found a great partner in us, who are investing much into making the start-up ecosystem competitive and inclusive on a local and global level.

 

If you’re an entrepreneur and think you and your start-up have what it takes to compete against the most creative and astute minds in the world, go to www.seedstarsworld.com. Applications are now open for the pre-selection events held in Cape Town on May 27, Durban on June 8, and Soweto on June 14.