Up to $150k on offer in Daikin-Samurai Incubate Africa Ideathon

Tech startups that pitch at the Daikin-Samurai Incubate Africa Ideathon set for 10 and 11 December in Nairobi stand to tap up between $100 000 and $150 000 in funding from early stage venture capital (VC) firm Samurai Incubate Africa.

Samurai Incubate co-organised the event together with Japanese multinational air conditioning brand Daikin.

Through the initiative, the two organisations aim to find the 10 most innovative African startups that are looking to partner and expand their businesses with Japanese partners.

Applications for the Daikin-Samurai Incubate Africa Ideathon will close on 20 November

Applications for the ideathon will close on 20 November, with the selection process set to conclude on 25 November. Thereafter, successful applicants will be announced by 30 November.

The ideathon is open to registered for-profit companies that operate in the fintech, ecommerce, property tech, clean energy and air tech verticals and have a product or service that is currently available on the market.

Daikin is especially looking to collaborate with fintech startups that have solutions in mobile money, banking, payment and lending solutions.

To be considered for the ideathon, applicants must:

• Have a product or service that is designed for scale;
• Be based in or planning to expand to one or more countries on the continent where there is a demand for air conditioners;
• Have a strong management team of at least two people.

In addition, those selected for the ideathon must be able to explain why they could be a great partner for Daikin, as well as how their product or service can support Daikin’s business expansion.

Successful applicants must be prepared to travel to Nairobi between 9 and 12 December to attend the event.

Featured image: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash