SA agency organising contingent for Paris startup show

This June will see the debut launch of VIVA Technology Paris, a conference co-hosted by advertising giant Publicis which aims to provide a “real-time platform for collaboration and a high-level stage for discussions around the impact technology has on both businesses and society”.

According to a press release sent to Ventureburn, an estimated 30 000 visitors, comprising entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and venture capitalists, the event promises to be a melting pot of tech, interaction and innovation are expected. And if local digital agency Popimedia has its way, there’ll also be a strong South African contingent.

The company, bought out by Publicis in January, is looking to head up a contingent of South African entrepreneurs for the conference.

“As part of the Publicis Groupe, we want to form an African delegation that has access to the world’s best tech players, experts, and success stories,” says Popimedia CEO Daniel Levy.

“VIVA Technology Paris presents an incredible platform, which local start-ups could use as a springboard to the next level of innovation and development. Understanding the journey of the tech startup ourselves, we can attest to the benefits of collaborating with large corporations”.

According to the release, the conference is based on four cornerstones: Labs, which is a collaborative, co-working space focused on 20 industry sectors; Challenges, an open-innovation platform aimed at solving business challenges through technology; Imagine, keynotes and panel discussions, and Hall of Tech – devoted to technology innovations that are changing business and society.

“VIVA Technology Paris will provide start-ups incredible networking opportunities, insight into the most sophisticated technology developments on the planet, and inspiration for future collaborations and projects.”