Entrepreneurs in Nairobi and Lagos this month have the opportunity to pitch their startups from the back of an Uber taxi in order to win entry into the PIVOT East and Seedstars World startup competitions.
In Nairobi, Uber has partnered PIVOT East – which takes place next week – to launch #UberPITCH. Entrepreneurs that submit an application before 4pm tomorrow (July 17) and are selected will be able to request a ride on Tuesday, July 21 between noon and 4pm, select the #UberPITCH option, and be given seven minutes to pitch their startup.
Rides are free and will start and end at the pickup location, with pitches made to regional startup heroes and Uber general managers, who will provide feedback. One winning startup will be sponsored by PIVOT East to participate in workshops on subjects including business coaching, mentorship sessions and investor relations, while Uber will award KES15,000 (US$150) in credits.
A similar initiative will take place in the Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1 and Yaba areas of Lagos, Nigeria on July 28, with one startup set to be given the chance to pitch at the Nigerian leg of the global Seedstars World competition, which takes place on July 31 as part of Lagos Startup Week.
Between 11am and 3pm, participating entrepreneurs will have 15 minutes to pitch from the back of an Uber, with entrepreneurs receiving immediate feedback and also having the chance to win a second in-person meeting with the investors. Tomi Davies, president of the African Business Angels Network (ABAN) and other top Lagos investors will be hearing the pitches.
“We’re thrilled about partnering with Uber and giving every entrepreneur in Lagos with a great startup and 15 minutes of time the opportunity to win a last minute spot at our competition as well as meetings with top notch investors,” said Marcello Schermer, regional manager for Africa at Seedstars World.
“With this partnership, we are giving entrepreneurs unprecedented access and opportunities to meet with the best and most influential investors in Lagos.”
Ebi Atawodi, general manager of Uber Lagos, said Uber is about empowering people, with the heart of its business a fusion of technology and entrepreneurship.
“UberPitch is a new and exciting way for us to help showcase the entrepreneurship spirit and talent of Lagos. Together Uber and Seedstars World are really giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to potentially take their business ideas to the next level,” he said.
