8 African startups to pitch for $500k prize at Seedstars World

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Eight African startups will on February 4 pitch for the chance to win the US$500,000 equity prize at the Seedstars World global startup competition in Geneva, Switzerland.

Seedstars World during last year hosted local competitions in 36 countries to find the best locally-grown startups, and is now set to welcome the winners of each event to the global final, with the global winner to be selected by a distinguished jury panel.

The African companies participating are Beam from Ghana, OkHi from Kenya, Green Energy from Nigeria, Torque from Rwanda, Poeyek from Senegal, Lumkani from South Africa, Remit from Uganda. and myVLE from Morocco.

“Seedstars World is looking for smart startups that solve regional issues and/or develop profitable products for the global market,” Seedstars World said.

“With partners such as MEST, Google for Entrepreneurs, and Microsoft, Seedstars World identifies fast-growing and pioneering startup scenes and is on the mission to support regional businesses and their growth.”

Alisee de Tonnac, Seedstars World chief executive officer (CEO) said the competition was unique because it spots and showcases the most promising startups outside Silicon Valley.

“It is also a platform connecting investors to the next generation of startup entrepreneurs and offering insights about new startup ecosystems all over the world,” de Tonnac said.

“We look forward to welcoming entrepreneurs, investors and experts from the five continents.”

Finalists will take part in a three-day bootcamp organised in partnership with EPFL, the leading European engineering school, where international investors and mentors from top accelerators such as BBooster, The Founder’s Institute​ and Chinaccelerator will coach the startups.

The winner will be announced during the final event hosted on the first day of Lift Conference, one of the top innovation and tech conferences in Europe.

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Passionate about the vibrant tech startups scene in Africa, Tom can usually be found sniffing out the continent's most exciting new companies and entrepreneurs, funding rounds and any other developments within the growing ecosystem.

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