Startupbootcamp announces 10 finalists joining its first Africa-based accelerator

Accelerator programme Startupbootcamp Cape Town earlier this evening announced the 10 startups that have been selected to take part in its first ever accelerator programme in Africa.

The announcement was made at the end of the last selection day at the PwC offices in Cape Town. Startups were judged by mentors on criteria that focused on skills, leadership and commitment, vision, solutions and scalability.

Additionally, judges also considered the growth, competitive advantage and timing of each startup’s products.

409 African startups applied to join Startupbootcamp’s first accelerator programme on the continent

The 10 were selected from a pool of over 518 applications from 43 countries – of which 409 applications were from Africa, while over half of total applications came from South Africa (220 applications).

Read more: Startupbootcamp receives 518 applications for first Cape accelerator

The programme will begin on 4 September with a demo day scheduled for 30 November.

The 10 startups selected will each get €15 000, a free working space, access to investors and opportunities to attend industry events.

In addition participants will benefit from mentorship by seasoned industry experts. In return Startupbootcamp will take an eight percent equity stake in each of the startups.

The 10 startups that were selected are as follows:

• Brownie Points – a SA social enterprise platform that connects non-profit companies with volunteers, well-wishers and companies, rewarding good deeds with a redeemable social currency
• Dusu Pay – a Ugandan cross-border payment solution that aggregates payment options from one portal
• Fo-Sho – a SA insuretech startup that uses AI bots and machine learning to provide a tailored offering
• Got Bot – a AI solutions company from South Africa that integrates AI into retail and customer relationship management
• Just Now – a SA smart advertising mobile solution is targeted at food businesses and customers, it aims to reduce food waste
• Khoyn – a Zimbabwean e-commerce platform that allows users to sell goods and services via a chat-bot on Facebook Messenger
• MOBicure – a Nigerian health tech startup that uses mobile technology solutions to tackle health issues facing developing countries
• Strider – a SA insure tech platform that provides fully automated on-demand insurance
• Virtual Drive – a SA e-commerce platform that connects vehicle buyers and sellers securely
• Yethu – a SA startup with an online management system help individuals in the informal sector to save

Featured image: Startupbootcamp Cape Town startups pictured with programme organisers (Rozahn van Schalkwyk)