Suza Adam - Viridis Africa 2011 - Clean Technology Investment Summit in South Africa

Please tell us about yourself

"I am a entrepreneur for longer than 15 years, having specialised and practised in the field of investor relations. My company Spindle Communications focuses on investor relations in the African environment, consulting exchange listed companies on their shareholder communications and investment marketing strategy. I have launched several investment conferences in the past, including for the agricultural sector, property sector and life sciences industry".

 

What is Viridis Africa all about?

"Viridis Africa gives entrepreneurs in clean technology an opportunity to present their business plan or company to an audience of venture capital , private equity and private investors. The conference educates prospective investors about opportunities in the sector. The conference will stimulate deal flow, where the opportunities have been vetted by the Viridis team, giving investors assurance in interacting with participating clean tech entrepreneurs."

 

Who is attending this summit?

"Entrepreneurs in clean technology such as clean energy generation, energy storage, energy infrastructure and efficiency as well as water and waste water is invited to present a business case for investment. Investors are invited from all other Africa, Europe, the USA and Asia to participate in the conference."

 

What impact would the summit have on the African investment market?

"The conference would direct greater investment interest to areas in dire need of investment in securing a sustainable future."

 

What is the scope of your involvement?

"I have initiated the concept and is the conference organizer behind the event."

 

Is this the first business matchmaking summit?

"This is the first business matchmaking event for clean technology in Africa."

 

Is there a role for the private sector ?

"Private sector’s role is most important as it a core supporter of green business where it creates green markets as a result of the increasing awareness of consumers about the global challenges."

 

What has been the response so far?

"We have had a good response from industry as well as from the investment community."

 

What is green business? And how green is green business?

"Green businesses adopt principles, policies and practices that improve the quality of life for their customers, their employees, communities and the environment. Investment projects in the clean technology environment have to meet the same investment criteria than any other."

 

What are the specific challenges?

"Sourcing viable and interesting business cases in an upcoming and still underdeveloped economic sector."

 

What is the latest news?

"Spindle Communications is carving a niche for itself in the African investor relations market and clean tech sector offering investment marketing, corporate positioning / branding and search engine optimization services."