Global startup competition heads to Tanzania
Seedstars World, the global seed-stage startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes, is returning to TANZANIA on September 24, 2016. In line with its mission to place the spotlight on entrepreneurs from emerging markets, Seedstars World is travelling to more than 65 countries this year to identify the best seed-stage entrepreneurs and provide them with an opportunity to win up to USD 1 million and network with investors and mentors from around the world. Its previous participants have raised over USD 61M collectively, providing employment to more than 800 employees worldwide.
The companies selected to pitch at the Seedstars Dar Es Salaam event need to be less than 2 years old, have raised less than USD 500,000 in funding and have built a minimum viable product, ideally with existing traction. The Seedstars World team is searching for one additional criterion – the startup’s regional and global scalability. With a strong network of international partners such as Inmarsat, INADEM, Standard Bank and Deloitte, Seedstars World is looking for smart startups that solve regional issues and develop profitable products for the global market, to support their regional businesses and growth.
“The startup ecosystem in Tanzania has been growing exponentially and so does the quality of the startups themselves. We are looking forward to see what awaits us in this exciting place and cannot wait for our event on the 24th” explains Selam Kebede, Associate at Seedstars World.
Up to 10 of the best seed stage startups in TANZANIA will be invited to pitch for the opportunity to compete at the Seedstars Summit, that annually takes place in Switzerland. TANZANIA was previously represented by Juabar. “ Seedstars is truly a global entrepreneur and investor network. The quality of the programming and networking is high. Aside from meeting investors, which is always important for these types of endeavors, it was great to meet so many entrepreneurs in similar growth stages as Juabar yet from such diverse industries and markets. It was the most valuable entrepreneurial experience to come through Tanzania.” says Olivia Nava, CEO of Juabar.
Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications through TANZICT and ICT Commission, is the main partner for Seedstars World Dar Es Salaam in 2016. “It is our effort to see that startups in Tanzania gets the attention they need from the Government. In achieving that goal, we are supporting Seedstars this year because we need to give exposure to our Tanzanian startups to get International attention ” says Eng.Clarence Ichwekeleza, Director for Communication services- Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications.
In order to provide local entrepreneurs with this opportunity and aiming to deliver the best possible event, Seedstars World is closely working with Buni Hub who is representing the initiative throughout the year.
“Buni has been at least that one active hub in Tanzania where startups hope to be for their growth. The reason behind our success is being able to work with strong partners like Seedstars. Last year’s event proved their ability to give so much exposure to our startups and we are proud to be part of this competition every year.”
Maryam, Buni PR, Events and Partnerships Manager.The event is also supported by the Swiss Embassy. “Winning a competition alone has never been a guarantee to success. But participating is most rewarding due to the exposure and attention which every business needs. I believe that the new generation of young entrepreneurs will shape Tanzania’s business landscape in a significant way, watch out!” Says Arthur Mattli, Ambassador of Switzerland to the East African Community and to the Republic of Zambia..
