Startupbootcamp (SBC) announced today the launch of its new accelerator programme opening in Cape Town. This global industry-focused accelerator group has 18 programs across 13 countries and has seen value in now setting up a footprint in Africa.
Startups from around the world can apply now (https://www.f6s.com/startupbootcampcapetown2017/apply) to be part of the intense three-month support program to be run in Cape Town.
The call for applications is focused on sourcing scalable technology solutions applicable to diversified financial services and related industries. The aim is to grow disruptive startups and connect them with dynamic corporates, providing both with an opportunity to collaborate and build the African tech ecosystem.
The launch of this first Startupbootcamp Cape Town programme in Africa comes post a trend analysis that found 161 applications to the global programme to have originated from African teams in 2016. Additionally, there were five South Africa FastTracks in 2015 and three in 2016. To date, Startupbootcamp has invested in eight teams from Africa in total, 3 of which are in the current InsurTech cohort.
Startupbootcamp brings together top startups from around the world, a mentor network of renowned industry experts and entrepreneurs and major players in banking, insurance, consultancy, leasing and technology as founding partners. From a pool of hundreds of applications, Startupbootcamp Cape Town will select the 10 most promising teams, and will provide each team with EUR15 000, mor than 100 mentors from the fintech, insurtech and regtech industries, free office space, a convertible note, access to funding and a network of industry partners, investors and venture capital firms.
The three-month programme will kick off in September 2017.
Zach George, co-MD of the Cape Town programme, says: “We are thrilled that for the very first time in Africa, a comprehensive integrated program exists to provide corporations across multiple industries the ability to engage directly with innovative technology focused ventures, establish commercial engagements and explore direct investment opportunities”.
Philip Kiracofe, co-MD of Startupbootcamp Cape Town, comments: “The African tech and digital landscape is growing exponentially, and we firmly believe that the future of innovation will come from Africa. Cape Town is one of the most vibrant and creative hubs on the continent and we are both excited and humbled to contribute by attracting global expertise here. ”
The accelerator is anchored by strong corporate sponsors that will support and grow the programme and selected startups. Global sponsors include Google cloud, Amazon web services, Intel and Cisco.
