The Seed Engine Business Accelerator has begun its first 13-week accelerator boot camp. Six teams of entrepreneurs have been selected from more than 300 applications.
Each technology venture has been given R100 000 start-up capital to convert their ideas into practical business plans, ready to attract further investment at a demo day in May. It is envisaged entrepreneurs will be able to raise between R200 000 and R2-million, depending on the business case.
“The ventures which we selected are all tech focused. We believe these promising businesses have international appeal and are also disruptive and scalable. There is tremendous energy in our Sandton based engine room,” says Marc Elias, CEO of Seed Engine, South Africa’s first startup accelerator.
“All the entrepreneurs are making excellent progress and Seed Engine is having an immediate impact on the six start-ups and their founders. Seed Engine also offers investors the opportunity to get involved at an early stage.
“The entrepreneurs have expressed that one of the best things about the Seed Engine atmosphere is that it brings like-minded and driven teams together to create a hub for improved learning and productivity. The engine room allows for the free flow and sharing of ideas, which contributes toward a dynamic start-up ecosystem.”
Entrepreneurs are undergoing coaching, mentoring and have been provided with work space and support and an opportunity to grow their concept into a business.
Mark Karimov of Cirqls.com explains, “The bootcamp has been very powerful so far; we are being pushed. There’s a tremendous difference doing something on your own and what is possible working with the Seed Engine team which helps turn the obstacles we face into opportunities.”
“Seed Engine offers a creative, open environment where ideas are being developed into reality in the fastest possible time. Our mentors who deeply understand technology and our personal circumstances are making a considerable difference,” says Robin Bayhack of Zehoo.me.
“The ventures which we selected are all tech focused. We believe these promising businesses have international appeal and are also disruptive and scalable. There is tremendous energy in our Sandton based engine room,” says Marc Elias, CEO of Seed Engine, South Africa’s first startup accelerator.
“All the entrepreneurs are making excellent progress and Seed Engine is having an immediate impact on the six start-ups and their founders. Seed Engine also offers investors the opportunity to get involved at an early stage.
“The entrepreneurs have expressed that one of the best things about the Seed Engine atmosphere is that it brings like-minded and driven teams together to create a hub for improved learning and productivity. The engine room allows for the free flow and sharing of ideas, which contributes toward a dynamic start-up ecosystem.”
Entrepreneurs are undergoing coaching, mentoring and have been provided with work space and support and an opportunity to grow their concept into a business.
Mark Karimov of Cirqls.com explains, “The bootcamp has been very powerful so far; we are being pushed. There’s a tremendous difference doing something on your own and what is possible working with the Seed Engine team which helps turn the obstacles we face into opportunities.”
“Seed Engine offers a creative, open environment where ideas are being developed into reality in the fastest possible time. Our mentors who deeply understand technology and our personal circumstances are making a considerable difference,” says Robin Bayhack of Zehoo.me.