UPDATE (17 September): In an earlier version of this story we misstated that startups would be able to get free access to AWS services through the partnership.
Silicon Cape’s PR agency clarified that the partnership between AWS and the organisation will allow those startups that have paid-for memberships with Silicon Cape, (which range between R500 to R200 000 a year) to access AWS Activate for $2000 (about R30 000) for one year, and have access to two months of business support using AWS.
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In addition, AWS will jointly with Silicon Cape host free startup events for the Silicon Cape communities focused on startups, founders and dev’s. We have amended the story accordingly.
A new partnership between Silicon Cape and Amazon Web Service (AWS) is set to provide SA startups and tech entrepreneurs with access to world-class IT infrastructure and services.
Silicon Cape Chairperson Sumarie Roodt (pictured above) pointed out to Ventureburn on Wednesday (11 September) that startups often struggle to find enough capital to build their own IT infrastructure.
“And this is where the AWS suite of products can help startups to setup their infrastructure in a few simple steps.
“Since a lot, if not most, of South African startups have an online presence and or are online platforms themselves, they are heavily dependent on the cloud and similar services that offer flexibility, scalability and reliability,” she said.
Silicon Cape’s partnership with AWS will give local community members access to the company’s events
The AWS suite of products, she said, enable startups to minimise their capital outlays, increase IT implementation speed and helps them to scale faster.
“Additionally, AWS host numerous innovative events during the year in order to support local innovation initiatives and Silicon Cape’s partnership with AWS gives local community members access to these informative events,” she said.
Roodt believes that the partnership between Silicon Cape and AWS is a signal to the entrepreneurship community globally that Cape Town is a “hot-bed of innovation” and is leading Africa in the race to become a global innovation hub.
What does it mean for startups?
Via Silicon Cape’s PR agency, Ventureburn was told in an email that the partnership will see AWS jointly with Silicon Cape host free startup events for the Silicon Cape communities focused on startups, founders and dev’s.
In addition, through this collaboration, entrepreneurs and Silicon Cape communities members will be eligible for AWS’s service AWS Activate. AWS is offering the service to those who sign up via the partnership for $2000 for one year, and two months of business support using AWS.
AWS says on its website that its AWS Activate provides startups with “low cost, easy-to-use infrastructure needed to scale and grow”. Startups will also get access resources and expertise they need to quickly get started on AWS, helping them scale and grow, including credits, training and support.
Silicon Cape’s PR agency said this benefit is eligible for subscribed members that have paid-for memberships with Silicon Cape. Paid-for memberships with Silicon Cape range between R500 to R100 000 a year.
“Any founder is eligible for the AWS Activate programme, however gaining access is now simplified by being a member of a startup organisation like Silicon Cape. Non-members can access the AWS free tier offer types,” said the PR agency.
Startups that want to use of the offer must contact Silicon Cape.
Featured image: Silicon Cape Chairperson Sumarie Roodt (Facebook)
