SA decentralised communication startup joins Silicon Valley accelerator

Port Elizabeth, South African-based startup Tuse by Millbug is joining Silicon Valley’s Founders Space accelerator programme.

Thulisile Volwana, Sabelo Sibanda and Michael Kyazze are behind Tuse, which is described as an Android app that allows people to “create wireless mesh networks using their WiFi-enabled mobile devices”. Users are then able to send texts, transfer data and make phone called to other people in their network, without the need of traditional wireless infrastructure or network coverage.

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After traveling to Germany, Israel, Palestine, Turkey, Ghana and Nigeria since last year, Sibanda tells Ventureburn that the startup’s position in Silicon Valley is pivotal to its overall strategy for Tuse.

“This trip, in particular, speaks to how we are positioning Tuse globally and have made great strides in that regard,” says Sibanda. “Being part of the program will open doors for strategic partnerships with a variety of stakeholders to make Tuse a solution that helps people all over the world.”

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Founders Space seeks to help exceptional entrepreneurs grow their startups, get funded and go global. Its accelerator programme is made up of classes, workshops, seminars, mentoring and a Demo Day.

Tuse’s acceptance into the Founders Space programme is great news for South African talent which continues to make a splash on the global stage. Last year, on-demand cleaning company SweepSouth became the first local startup to be selected for the prestigious 500 Startups programme in Silicon Valley.

“We would like to see the Tuse app continuing on its trajectory and continuously evolving to better meet the needs of the good people we serve,” adds Sibanda.