IDWork, a C2C platform that connects technically skilled informal workers to clients, has been selected by Seedstars World as the best startup in South Africa for its creative solution to the social issue of unemployment.
Seedstars World is a global seed-stage startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes. It brought its South African competition to a successful close during Seedstars Grand Final after hosting pre-selections in Cape Town, Durban and Soweto (Gauteng). The event took place in the Standard Bank Incubator, and 10 selected startups were invited to present their ideas in front of the local jury panel.
“I became an entrepreneur mostly because I felt there was a difference I could make, I wanted to learn and also make an impact, and also do stuff that I really enjoyed with my co-founders. I also thought that entrepreneurship through the use of technology was the way to do it,”s says Sayo Folawiyo, CEO of IDWork.
The winning startup, which entered the competition as a wildcard entry, will be participating at Seedstars Summit, taking place in Switzerland in March 2017.
During the weeklong training programme, the team at IDWork will have the opportunity to meet the other 65 winners, as well as investors and mentors from around the world.
Traditionally, the final day of the Summit will be dedicated to pitching in front of audience of 1000 attendees, with the possibility of winning up to the $500.00 million equity investment and a $1-million in additional prizes.
Sortd, which offers a service that organises your email and creates a to-do list came second and Wumdrop, which allows anything to be delivered at the click of a button, grabbed the last spot in the top three. The other startups invited to pitch were Crew Pencil, Pargo, Guardian Angel Safety Solution, You, Baby and I, Vitls, UmoyAir Communications, and Riovic.
Seedstars World worked closely with Standard Bank to deliver the event and to provide local entrepreneurs with this opportunity.
“This year’s Seedstars South Africa again showcased some of the best startups across-the-board country and we are extremely proud to be associated with this initiative for the second year running. We have found another deserving winner and we look forward to working closely with the winning team as they prepare for the global competition,” says Jayshree Naidoo, head at Standard Bank Incubator.
