Eight startups have been selected to compete at the Kigali-based edition of world-touring early-stage startups contest Seedstars World, with the winner to represent Rwanda and pitch for up to US$1 million in equity investment at the global finals in Switzerland.
Seedstars World has been hosting an increased number of local events across Africa this year, and has already picked winners in Mozambique, Tunisia, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal and Cameroon.
The winner of each regional event progresses to compete at the global finals, which are to be held in Switzerland in April next year. Finalists take part in a week-long training programme alongside other winners, and pitch in front of investors and mentors from around the world in a bid to win their part of up to US$1 million in equity investment.
The Kigali-based event is set to take place on Friday (October 6), at local tech hub kLab.
The eight startups selected to compete are BAG Innovation Limited – a network of advanced students to solve challenges in an innovative manner; Fiatope Digital Solutions – a secure and mobile log-in solution; Made In Rwanda Online, which connects Rwandan vendors and manufacturers to buyers around the globe; and ONGERA LTD, with its SaaS-based AI powered service that allows banks to cope with risks linked to currency fluctuations.
Also set to pitch are PikiWash Ltd – an eco-friendly, time-saving solution for motorcycles; Imagine We Rwanda – a platform for the new generation of African storytellers; Manywa Link, linking technical job seekers and handymen with employers; and Vitcard, with its online debit card for buying and selling online, for anyone holding a mobile money account.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the pitching competition, and can register here.
