New initiative connects women-owned startups to Silicon Valley

A new bootcamp initiative has launched and aims to connect and empower women-owned startups in South Africa with the Silicon Valley.

A four-day bootcamp will equip selected participants with the skills to become investor-ready

The new initiative has been established by Tumelo Ramaphosa, founder and CEO of StudEx, & Africa Valley and co-founder Christopher Peralta, in partnership with the renowned business woman and woman empowerment activist, Sibabalwe Sesman.

A booster virtual bootcamp

The programme will virtually connect selected startup participants with the Silicon Valley, opening a gateway to the international market and funding options.

Leading up to Global Entrepreneurship Week, Africa Valley will provide a four-day Zoom bootcamp to participants. The informative bootcamp will provide an educational forum where startups will be taught how to become investor-ready.

Investment is critical to the upscaling and growth of a startup, with the session taught by Africa Valley’s partner RaiseTheRound and well-known entrepreneur Iddo Tal.

On the last day of the virtual bootcamp, 10 selected startups will have the opportunity to pitch their concept to Silicon Valley investors.

In addition, one selected startup will receive a pitch deck online landing page revamp, creating a professional pitch page for potential investors.

Conducted virtually, the bootcamp will take place from 13 – 16 November. Interested women-owned startups can apply online.

Potential applicants must be aware that there is limited placement available for this initiative.

Promoting women-owned startups

According to reports by Africa Valley, in a number of countries women are disadvantaged from accessing credit or other financial products. With little to no access to these much-needed business starters, female entrepreneurs are unable to open an enterprise.

In addition, 72 countries across the globe do not allow some women from specific social groups to open a bank account or obtain credit, preventing women from potentially opening up a business.

The UNDP’s Regional Burea for Africa reported in 2019 that since 2010 Sub-Saharan African economics have lost an estimated $95-billion yearly due to the existing gender gap.

Falling in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, focusing on women’s economic empowermement, Africa Valley’s initiative aims to positively contribute to closing the existing business sector gender gap in Africa.

The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes achieving gender equality alongside the promotion of productive employment and work opportunities for all and reducing existing inequalities. With this in mind, the bootcamp initiative will assist in providing a new avenue for South African female entrepreneurs to tap into a wider net of potential investors and positively contribute to the local economy.

Read more: Kenya women in tech incubator open for applications
Read more: Funding female founders will add billions to Africa’s economy [Opinion]

Featured image: Christina @ wocintechchat.com via Unsplash