U-Start competition calling all SA entrepreneurs to action

Are you a South African startup seeking some international exposure? This might be for you. The U-Start Business Plan Competition, which will be taking place in Italy, aims to match cross-border investment groups with startups from Southern and Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa. It’s basically like the ultimate high-profile dating company for entrepreneurs, VCs and the like. Three small companies will be chosen to represent Africa at the event in May this year, and you could be one of them.

Don’t want to miss out on all the fun, listen up. The local U-Start Business Plan Competition will be held in Cape Town, South Africa on 6 March 2014. Prominent local and international investors will be scouting and only the top fifteen or twenty businesses will be allowed to pitch in front of a panel of expert judges of which three will be sent to advance to the international U-Start competition in Italy.

In order to qualify, your startup needs to be pitch perfect. That is, conjure up a full pitch deck as well as a financial deck.

Not only will companies who succeed get flights and accommodation for four nights in Italy, they will also receive mentorship, incubation and training whilst there. They’ll also get one-on-one exposure to high-profile investors as well as international media exposure. Other winning perks include, one year free access on U-Start, exclusive networking opportunities and a free private desk at the conference.

How to get in on the action?

Submissions are already opened until February 24th. To register go here and submit your executive summary and elevator pitch.