NEWS
Startup generator and Early-Stage VC
expands into East Africa
A
ntler, a global startup generator and
early stage VC, has set up its operations
in East Africa. Commencing in August, the
first Kenyan cohort will include around 40
future founders, aiming to form up to 16
startups a year.
“We’re excited to launch Antler in Nairobi
in August 2019, supporting Africa based
founders in launching their dream
startups,” said Marie Nielsen, Partner for
East Africa.
“Antler will invest in 40 plus startups in
Nairobi over the coming three years,
stimulating innovation, job creation and
helping to cultivate a deeper tech industry in
the country.
“Not only does the Antler programme provide
financial support to founders from day one,
but it also offers unique access to a global
network that will support East African tech
companies seeking to scale internationally.”
The programme consists of two phases over
five months. The first connects highly-skilled
individuals to strong founder teams through
workshops, personality tests and hackathons,
with support from Antler coaches, advisors and
VCs. At the end of this phase, Antler invests in
the best teams for a minority equity stake.
In the second phase, teams build their
companies to the same level most startups
reach after a year. Former founders help with
product launches and connect companies
with their first customers. At the end of the
programme, teams pitch their business to
angel and seed investors. Post-programme,
founders continue to receive advice and
tools and also enter Antler’s alumni network.
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Winners of the Digital Lab Africa pitch
competition announced
D
igital Lab Africa (DLA), a springboard
and incubation platform for African
creatives in digital content, has announced
the 10 winning projects of this year’s edition
of the DLA accelerator programme.
Initiated by the Embassy of France and
French Institute in South Africa (IFAS), DLA
is managed by the South African technology
hub Tshimologong Digital Innovation
Precinct, with support from the Agence
Française de Développement (AFD).
programme to accelerate their
project development.
This includes mentorship by French and
Sub-Saharan creative industries experts, a
residence period in France within a digital
cluster or hub, and participation at industry
events in France and/or in the Sub-Saharan
African region.
Meanwhile, following a period of public
online voting, the DLA Audience Award has
been awarded to Justus Macharia from
Kenya for his work titled BABA.
With 501 votes out of a total of 3,329,
Macharia’s prize includes an invitation to
one of the DLA industry events in France or
in Sub-Saharan Africa.
From among 500 applications from over
30 Sub-Saharan countries, 10 creatives
from countries such as South Africa, Kenya,
Zimbabwe, Mali and Ghana were selected.
These individuals stood out in the selection
committee interviews based on their talent,
creativity and ability to motivate their ideas.
Each of the 10 winners receive a R42,000
cash prize and a tailored-made incubation
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