IBM South Africa, through its Equity Equivalence Investment Programme (EEIP), together with with the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct, has launched a Startup Accelerator, which will run from October 8 to November 16.
The Startup Accelerator is designed to enable the development of growth-stage technology and digital startups. It will using a bootcamp format over six weeks, focusing on enablement and development through a series of short, intensive and rigorous modules.
Each module is specifically selected to address skills, resources, infrastructure and technology growth within the startup.
The bootcamp culminates in an investment proposal and pitch whereby the winning participants stand in line to win up to R500 000 in required products and services.
“Growing technology startups has long been a focus of the precinct and we are pleased to partner with IBM SA to further develop this vital segment of the market,” enthuses Tshimologong Precinct enterprise development manager Shaun Randles.
To win the investment, technology startups need to demonstrate how the investment will be used to accelerate the business.
The startup will give reasons why IBM should invest in the development of the business at an awards evening at Tshimologong Precinct taking place during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2018. The evening will be attended by a panel of industry thought leaders and influencers.
Interested participants’ businesses must have a minimum of one-year trading as a Companies and Intellectual Property Commission-registered business. The Growth Stage Tech Startup should be black South African-owned and managed.