SA Startup Act Movement’s Post

The SA Startup Act Movement! A Pioneer for Change 🚀 Empowering South African Entrepreneurship 🚀 our Position Paper—a comprehensive guide to the proposed SA Startup Act designed to elevate startups and high-growth firms to the forefront of the national economy. What's in Our Position Paper? Our position paper highlights the pivotal role of the proposed Act in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa. What Do We Advocate For? We advocate for the removal of constraints hindering the expansion of South African businesses into international markets. By eliminating these barriers, we aim to empower local enterprises to venture beyond borders with ease. 🎯 Our Main Objective Our primary goal is to diminish obstacles that prevent the growth of startups, paving the way for a more dynamic and competitive market. How We Aim to Overcome Policy Barriers To overcome these barriers, we recommend: Tax Break Incentives Startup Visa Program Relaxation of Exchange Control Limitations These measures are crucial for enhancing our startups' competitiveness, attracting investors, creating employment, and bridging the skills gap. Support the Cause Show your support for the SA Startup Act Movement and read more about our Position Paper here: https://bit.ly/3kwdQKl #SAStartupAct #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Startups #BusinessGrowth #SupportLocal #PolicyChange #InvestInSA Adrian Dommisse Dommisse Attorneys Inc Arnold Sigauque Darkies in Tech Endeavor Matsi Modise Zimkhitha Peter Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Shelley Lotz Christophe Viarnaud Cleola Kunene JSE Raadhika Sihin Buntu Majaja SA Innovation Summit Sanjay Soni CA(SA) Jozi Angels Michel Weiss Counder Alison Collier Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies Caitlin Nash

Open Startup has launched a new cohort of its GROW investment preparation program, aimed at scaling advanced African start-ups and securing funding. Building on the success of the previous cohort, which supported 13 start-ups from over 600 applications, GROW is designed to help start-ups that have secured up to $350,000 in funding to reach their first $1 million. GROW is a 12-month program developed in partnership with AfricaGrow, AfricInvest Group, Bpifrance, and GO Ventures. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools and support services, including personalized workshops, one-on-one coaching, access to a wide network of investors, and financial support for international events and talent acquisition. Eligible seed-stage start-ups must be operational for less than four years, have 2-4 co-founders with at least one African co-founder, and be impacting or operating in Africa. The program is tailored for those who have raised up to $350,000 and are aiming to secure $1 million in additional funding. Applications for the GROW program are open until August 31st. Interested start-ups are encouraged to apply through the provided link to benefit from the extensive support and resources offered by this impactful initiative. #OpenStartup #GROWProgram #AfricanStartups #InvestmentPreparation #Entrepreneurship #BusinessScaling #FundingOpportunities #StartupSupport #Innovation #CapacityBuilding To read more: https://zurl.co/GEOr

Join the Movement for Innovation and Growth!  ✔ The SA Startup Act is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering startups, fostering a culture of innovation, and creating opportunities for economic prosperity. By supporting this act, you're not just endorsing a piece of legislation; you're championing a brighter future for South Africa's entrepreneurial ecosystem. We aim to provide vital support and resources to budding entrepreneurs, helping them turn their ideas into successful businesses through a startup Act.  We have noticed that Startups are the backbone of a dynamic economy and nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem is crucial for the economy, let us not forget the positive implications a Startup Act may create for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for all.  Innovation is the key to solving the challenges of tomorrow. The SA Startup Act encourages groundbreaking advancements that will benefit society.  Every startup represents a story of potential and possibility. By supporting the SA Startup Act, you're opening doors for aspiring entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for diversity, and leveling the playing field for all.  Join us in advocating for the SA Startup Act and be a part of shaping a future where innovation thrives, entrepreneurship flourishes, and opportunities for people. Together, we can build a brighter, more prosperous South Africa! Ready to join the movement? Spread the word, raise awareness, and let's make a difference together!  #SAStartupAct #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #EconomicGrowth #JoinTheMovement

When it comes to African startups, “I Have An Idea” represents more than just the spark of creativity; it embodies the beginning of a transformative journey rooted in the continent's unique challenges and opportunities. In a region where innovation often stems from necessity, this phrase signifies the moment when an entrepreneur identifies a gap in the market—a need that isn't being met, a problem that hasn't been solved, or a cultural nuance that hasn't been fully explored. For African startups, "I Have an Idea" is deeply tied to the realities of local contexts. It might be the recognition of how to leverage mobile technology to bridge the financial inclusion gap, like M-Pesa did in Kenya. It could be the realization of how to use health tech to improve access to medical services, as seen with Zipline in Rwanda. Or it might be the insight that drives a startup to harness the power of Afropop culture to create a brand that resonates globally while staying rooted in local traditions. This phrase is the seed of something much larger—a vision that takes into account the rich tapestry of Africa's diverse cultures, economies, and social structures. It’s the first step in a journey that involves not just launching a product or service, but doing so in a way that aligns with local needs and values, often under challenging circumstances. It’s about creating solutions that are as resilient and dynamic as the continent itself. In the African startup ecosystem, "I Have an Idea" is where the blend of tradition and modernity begins, where entrepreneurs start to shape the future by drawing on the continent's rich past. It’s about building something that isn’t just innovative, but also deeply connected to the people it’s meant to serve—an idea that grows into a movement, driving change and creating lasting impact across the continent and beyond. #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Strategy #Innovation #AfricanStartups

In essence, "local needs" refer to the specific requirements and priorities of a community or region, encompassing factors like infrastructure, job creation, and environmental protection. On the other hand, "investment needs" pertain to the goals and criteria investors consider when allocating capital, such as profitability and risk management. While there can be tension between these two perspectives, there's also potential for alignment, particularly with impact investing, where financial returns are pursued alongside positive social or environmental outcomes. Finding this balance often involves collaboration among stakeholders to identify investment opportunities that benefit both investors and local communities.

Our CEO Zandre Campos, remains optimistic about the rebound in African start-up funding, despite a 57% drop in the first half of the year. In his recent CNBC Africa interview, Zandre emphasized the crucial role of education in fostering growth across sectors, particularly in #technology. 🔗 Read more from CNBC Africa: https://lnkd.in/gxSDvUVz #InvestInAfrica #Education #Entrepreneurship #Startups

#Local needs vs #investment (investor) needs Your Comments are highly appreciated #Local Needs Angelo Igitego XanaHealth, argues that there is a need to tailor some of the big initiatives such as the Rwanda Innovation Fund to local needs to allow for more domestic players to benefit. Gitego said some of the funding criteria considered are not “realistic” given the size of the local startups. An example is the condition that the fund demands startups to demonstrate annual revenue between $50,000 and $5 million. “If you want to address the funding gap, you need to contextualize the initiative with the local market. In Rwanda, you will not get more than 10 startups that can make a profit of over $1 million every year. But this is one of the criteria,” he said. #Scalable solutions Remy Muhire Founder & CEO Pindo, entrepreneurs need to transition from common technology solutions to scalable solutions, to be able to attract huge rounds of financing from venture capitalists. “I am optimistic that we will see more local players get access to funding. You need to be a profitable business and of course with a high scalability potential,” Muhire, the company’s chief executive, said. Muhire argues that local entrepreneurs should think beyond borders. For instance, he said, it would be hard for a local firm to compete with a global company that provides the same service. “We have startups coming up. If we don't have entrepreneurs thinking about scalable solutions to the region, it is going to be hard. We ought to build something scalable. In some of these countries, there is a greater purchasing power,” he said. https://lnkd.in/dcfNzNeE #local #entrepreneurs #need #local #investment #solutions ?😉😉😉

African startups are changing the game! In recent years, Africa has emerged as the new frontier for startups, and the reasons behind this trend are remarkable. With some of the world's fastest-growing economies and a young population, the continent is ripe with opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. African startups are seizing this moment and revolutionizing various industries in truly game-changing ways. Here are just five ways they are making a difference. #impactinvesting #socialchange #sustainability #africanentrepreneur

🌟 Huge shoutout to the amazing tech entrepreneurs in Kenya who made our thesis journey unforgettable! Ahmed Fayed and I had the privilege of chatting with 11 founders for our qualitative research, and trust me, these could be the future unicorns of Africa. They've not just bagged significant financing from developed economies, but they're also propelling the VC scene in Kenya to new heights. Why Kenya's Tech Scene Stole My Thesis Spotlight: 1️⃣ Home is Where the Heart Is: Born and bred as a fourth-generation Kenyan, my roots run deep, and Kenya is not just a place—it's my everything. 2️⃣ Entrepreneurial Spirit: Launched my own startup in Kenya, played the game in both small and big business fields—entrepreneurship is my passion. 3️⃣ Learning Curve: My thesis, titled "Positioning for Success: How Tech Entrepreneurs in Kenya Strategically Frame Startups to Secure Venture Capital from Developed Economies," delves into the mystery of how Kenyan techpreneurs hustle for VC funding. UIC - Uppsala Innovation Centre wisdom: "Validation is the key to success" for entrepreneurs. 4️⃣ Childhood Bonds: From playing "KING" and "CATCH" with friends to watching them scale successful startups, my network has been my rock. 5️⃣ Global Proudness: Committed to showcasing Kenya's brilliance globally, putting our country on the map for all the right reasons. Calling All Entrepreneurs and VC with an interest in Kenya: 🌐 If you're curious about the tech startup scene, you're in for a treat! Explore the nitty-gritty of how these techpreneurs strategically pulled in VC investments from developed economies. Our thesis journey at Uppsala University was a rollercoaster of insights. Oh, and fun fact: As of 2023, Kenya's VC funding soared to a whopping $800 million USD. Enjoy the read! Drop me a message or shoot an email ([email protected]) if you've got questions. I'm more than happy to spill the beans, with consent from the incredible tech entrepreneurs who shared their stories :) Link below: https://lnkd.in/e_ZThY3e 🚀 #TechInnovation #Entrepreneurship #kenya #VCAdventure #AfricanIngenuity #ThesisJourney #venturecapital #vc #africa #africanbusiness #africantech #startup #kenyantrends #finance

A step Closer! African #startups aren't just businesses; they are lifelines to millions, offering solutions that range from #construction materials to revolutionary #healthcare services. They prove that with the right mix of #technology, #ingenuity, and a deep understanding of local #challenges, creating #sustainable change isn't just possible—it's happening. At Impacc, we believe in the power of #entrepreneurship to generate social #impact. That's why we're not just watching; we're actively supporting these change-makers. From funding to #technical support, we're here to ensure that the brightest ideas see the light of day and also thrive and scale. This is because every startup we #empower is a step closer to a sustainable, equitable Africa. #sustainability #impactinvesting #startup #africa