Seedstars World, the early-stage startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes, is coming to Mauritius for the first time. With the support of the local host Turbine and Africa Leadership University.
Seedstars will be holding a dynamic pitching event on the 17th of October,2019 at 4pm. The companies invited to the training session and to privately pitch at the Seedstars Port Louis event must have raised less than USD 500k in funding and built a minimum viable product, ideally with existing traction.
Seedstars is searching for one additional criterion: potential for regional and global scalability. Besides representing Mauritius at the Seedstars Regional Summit, the winner will get a chance to win an all-inclusive trip to Switzerland, to compete at the Seedstars Summit for the title of Seedstars Global Winner and up to USD 500,000 in equity investments and other prizes.
Seedstars team will shortlist around ten of the best seed-stage startups to participate in training and pitching event on the 17th of October.
“At Seedstars, we believe talent and good ideas are everywhere. We see ourselves as a platform connecting investors to the next generation of startup entrepreneurs in places where normally people wouldn’t think startup ecosystem have such traction, growth and buzz. We are very excited to be in Mauritius, highlighting such a bustling entrepreneurship ecosystem and we are here to witness the reality”, explains Claudia Makadristo, Regional Manager for Africa at Seedstars, “We are also experts in identifying which are the ones to pull through and how. We’re impressed by what we have seen in the region so far and cannot wait to add startups from Mauritius on our map.”
In order to provide local entrepreneurs with this opportunity and aiming to deliver the best possible event, Seedstars is closely working with partners who are supporting the initiative for the year.
“Turbine truly believes in the Mauritian potential to create world class start-ups” Says Diane Maigrot, Startup and Business Growth Manager. “As such, we are happy to collaborate with Seedstars to uncover our champions. Also, as an entrepreneurial hub, it is our duty to reunite investors and start-up together to finance their growth. Turbine is here to spark the ecosystem”
“As one of the most innovative universities in the world, The African Leadership University is honored to welcome Seedstars to the African Leadership College in Mauritius,” said Lucy Scott, ALU head of the Student Ventures Program. “Our Students Venture Program is excited to be hosting the Seedstars Bootcamp and preparing the island’s standout entrepreneurs for this year’s inaugural competition. ALU’s students are not only looking forward to sharing their entrepreneurial leadership insights with these budding innovators, but also having the opportunity to learn from these emerging business stars.”
As part of the event and in a constant effort to nurture the local ecosystem, Seedstars and ABAN also joined forces to train local business angels through Compass Venture Capital. The 4-hour session will be a unique opportunity for investors to network, gain key insights and knowledge and access to Seedstars and ABAN deal flow.
Additionally, DOEN partnered with Seedstars to launch the DOEN Land Restoration Prize, in order to find and award the best tech(-enabled) solutions in the land restoration and land degradation space on the continent.
Also AFDB has joined forces with Seedstars as a main partner for the “Job Creation Track” which aims to train, support, promote and award startups that show potential for creating sustainable jobs in Africa. The bank will support all local bootcamps, including a two-day dedicated bootcamp at the regional summit.
“This year, Seedstars is partnering with SAIS – Southern Africa Innovation Support to bring you this local event in Mauritius. Selected startups will have an opportunity to participate in three months Seedstars Investment Readiness Program supported by SAIS and get seed funding for their businesses”
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