Global seed-stage startup competition Seedstars World today launched a call for applications to search for Nigeria’s next top seed-stage startups.
With the support of sponsors Orange, Merck, Enel and the local host Seedspace Lagos, Seedstars World will be holding a dynamic pitch event on 25 August in Lagos, Seedstars World said in a press release today.
No ad to show here.
Seedstars World is travelling to more than 75 countries this year to identify the best seed-stage entrepreneurs and provide them with an opportunity to win up to $500 000 and network with investors and mentors from around the world.
Previous participants have raised over $61-million collectively, providing employment to more than 1000 employees worldwide.
To qualify to pitch at the Seedstars Lagos event startups need to be less than two years old, have raised less than $500 000 in funding and have built a minimum viable product, ideally with existing traction. Startups must also have the potential to scale regionally and globally.
Seedstars World is looking for smart startups that solve regional issues and develop profitable products for the global market, to support their regional businesses and growth.
Seedstars World is looking for startups that solve regional issues, develop profitable products for global market
“Our Seedspace in Ikoy gathers some of the most creative minds in Lagos and we are proud to support such a community, who we believe has the potential to shape the future of people and businesses in Nigeria,” says Balducci.
Seedstars World has also partnered with the Merck Accelerator on a regional level, in order to support seed-stage companies with a focus on the fields of healthcare, life science and performance materials.
The most promising HealthTech startups will receive office space in the Merck Innovation Center in Kenya or Germany, mentoring and coaching on a regular basis and financial support of up to €50 000. In total, each prize package is worth around €200 000.
Up to 10 of the best seed-stage startups in Nigeria will be invited to pitch for the opportunity to compete at the Seedstars Summit, that takes place each year in Switzerland.
At the same time, Seedstars World is also working very closely with Enel Green Power to source the most innovative business models in the energy sectors and ones that are fostering socio-economic development in rural villages in Africa.
Up to five best startups in this sector will be invited for an exclusive RES4Africa networking event taking place later this November in Nairobi and compete for an Africa Energy Prize which consists of a financial contribution and a three-month acceleration programme for a total value of up to $50 000.
Applications are open now and startups can apply here: https://seedsta.rs/lagos2017
Featured image: Image from the 2017 Seedstars Summit (Seedstars World)
