Whisky brand Chivas Regal has announced the 10 SA contestants taking part in its social entrepreneur pitching competition, The Venture. It will air on Mzansi Magic on 26 January at 6:30pm.
The aim of the competition is to invest US$1-million in startups that create positive change.
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“Over the last two years, we have shown our belief in and commitment to this philosophy by awarding USD2 million to start-ups globally that ‘do well by doing good’, because we believe purpose and profit can coexist,” says Marketing Manager of Scotch Whiskies at Chivas Regal, Shelley Reeves, in a press release to Ventureburn.
The winner will receive R350 000 and represent South Africa at The Venture Year 3 final, which will take place in the US.
Read more: Chivas Regal’s The Venture competition looks for SA’s top social entrepreneur
The South African finalists are:
- Artisans in Africa (Caley van der Kolk) – the platform allows ‘high-revenue’ artisans to partner with rural community artisans sell their work internationally.
- Ocean in Motion (Menzi Mahlobo) – the purpose of this startup is to simulate ocean conditions in order to breed seafood anywhere.
- Mama Money (Mathieu Coquillon) – a fintech app for transfer of money from SA to other African countries at “greatly reduced rates.”
- Boma Brands T/A Rush Bar (Lara Mare van Niekerk) – the marketing of “natural” products to athletes and teaching local communities to grow fruit.
- Silulo Ulutho Technologies (Luvuyo Rani) – a business trying to make teaching technology accessible in rural and emerging areas.
- I-drop Water (James Their) – an affordable water purification system.
- ROSES FOR U (Risna Opperman) – this company looks to create several small farms in the Free State in order to distill rose essential oil.
- Iyeza Health (Sizwe Nzima) – bicycle-based courier delivering essentials to less fortunate areas in Cape Town.
- Standard Microgrid (Matt Wainwright) – solar-powered energy system distributing energy without access to electricity.
- Mama Mimi’s (Ross Kramm) – a bakery franchise that supports local communities and bakes bread as needed.
The contestants will pitch to a panel of judges consisting of Phuti Mahanyele, executive chairperson of Sigma Capital; Stafford Masie, founder of Thumbzup Innovation; Kojo Baffoe, an entrepreneur and content architect.
It will be hosted by Top Billing presenter, Lorna Maseko.
