Angolan startup Wi-Connect, a solution that makes the internet free and available to all Angolans, has been named winner of the country’s local Seedstars World competition and will now head to Switzerland to compete for up to US$1 million investment at the global final.
Seedstars World, which has already picked winning startups in Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa and Mozambique, held its Angolan round last week at Banco Económico, with 10 selected startups presenting their ideas in front of a jury panel.
Wi-Connect was selected as Angola’s best startup, and will now participate at the Seedstars Summit next March, taking part in a weeklong training programme with the opportunity to meet the other 60 winners as well as investors and mentors from around the world.
First runner-up was Kiandastream, a music streaming service focused on African artists and bands, while SOBA, an e-commerce fashion company, came third. The other startups that pitched were Ponto, Manifesto, Kamputer, Ingresso, Nguimbi, Buka and Tupuca.
“The quality of startups, pitches and ideas was impressive, which we believe is a sign that the ecosystem is growing and producing more high quality startups and entrepreneurs. We are happy to take Wi-Connect to our regional and global summit and follow his path to success. We will also keep an eye on the other startups and are looking forward to come back next year,” said Claudia Makadristo, associate for Seedstars World.
The Angolan competition was carried out with the support of FACRA and local ambassador Kianda Hub.
“We were happy to see higher quality pitches as well as innovative business models. The July 27 competition was a day to remember for everyone involved and will surely help boost our startup ecosystem,” said local ambassador Dizando Norton from Kianda Hub.
