The South Africa-based New Economy Accelerator (NEA) is to host an investor showcase for the 10 startups focused on servicing low income areas that have completed its 10-month programme.
Disrupt Africa reported last September the African Transition To A New Economy (ATTANE) network announced 10 South African startups would join the inaugural NEA programme, aimed at developing base of pyramid (BoP) businesses.
The selected startups were Geza Jozi, Khona Cafe, Last Mile for BoP, Let’s Go Trade, Naturally Good, Sidingulwazi Co-Op,Umgibe, Use-It, Y-Waste and Zuka, with these businesses having spent the last 10 months in incubation.
An investor showcase will now be hosted to mobilise financing for these entrepreneurs, with the event also signalling the official launch of ATTANE, a platform for thought leaders, investors and entrepreneurs in Africa.
“We’re really excited about the opportunity to showcase these 10 innovative enterprises that are at the forefront of addressing unemployment, food security and waste in South Africa. They are a clear indication that, given the support, South Africa’s seemingly intractable solutions can be solved,” said Dr Mao Amis of ATTANE.
The investor showcase is expected to feature key players from the investment sector, including private equity, high net worth individuals, fund managers, supply chain managers and government. The showcase is being held in partnership with the New Economics Foundation (NEF) and the DOEN Foundation at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria on June 17-28.