Tiphub hosts inaugural Diaspora Demo Pitch Competition

Tiphub, the mentorship-driven accelerator and business consultancy that develops and supports seed-stage technology and social impact ventures within the African diaspora, has announced its first annual Diaspora Demo Day pitch competition. The competition will be held in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week and will be hosted in conjunction with the She Leads Africa and the African Technology Foundation on 22 November 2014.

This event will take place in the World Bank’s Preston Auditorium in Washington, DC.

Diaspora Demo Day is a social impact pitch competition and the largest gathering of African startups, entrepreneurs and investors outside of the continent of Africa.

Taking part in the competition will be 25 startups. Participants will pitch for 5 minutes to an audience of investors, policy makers, fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts and an esteemed panel of judges. All participating startups will be provided with free legal and business consulting.

Stephen Ozoigbo, CEO of African Technology Foundation, said of Diaspora Demo Day.

“There is no better time than now for startup activities around Africa and Diaspora Demo Day presents a unique opportunity for this wonderful generation of entrepreneurs to tell their stories and entice investors to consider activities on the continent.”

Tiphub was founded in early 2014 and its mandate is to educate, engage and empower global entrepreneurs through its special programming, investment fund, business development services and extensive network of renowned mentors. The organisation further claims that it is committed to creating and accelerating innovation in the African diaspora by relentlessly pursuing strategic initiatives that solve global challenges and stimulate economic, civic and social growth for African communities.

Tiphub Founder and Executive Director Chinedu Enekwe comments, “We look forward to presenting these startups to a diverse panel of investors and setting the stage for bilateral investment activities.”

Another notable partner in Diaspora Demo Day is She Leads Africa, an organisation that curates the most talented female entrepreneurs across the African continent and diaspora and provides them with access to the knowledge, networks and financing needed to build and scale strong businesses.

Speaking about the competition, She Leads Africa co-founder Yasmin Belo-Osagie said:

“She Leads Africa is excited to partner with tiphub and the African Technology Foundation to introduce some of the most talented African and diaspora female entrepreneurs to social investors, foundations and potential partners who are actively looking for the innovative ideas that can shape the globe.”