SA accelerator programme open for early-stage startups

The South Africa Virtual 2020 programme is officially open for early-stage entrepreneurs to apply. 

Led by The Founder Institute, one of the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerators, the programme allows entrepreneurs to develop their businesses with the help and support of startup experts.

 South Africa Virtual 2020 programme opens applications until 31 January 2021

Startup accelerator, the Founder Institute was founded in 2009 by entrepreneurs Adeo Ressi and Jonathan Greechan. The institute aims to assist pre-seed entrepreneurs by providing a network of local startup experts, who are able to bestow a wealth of knowledge and wisdom on budding entrepreneurs.

Through a structured business-building process, entrepreneurs are taught the foundational basics of how to generate traction, recruit a team, make the transition from employee to entrepreneur, raise capital funding and connect with various potential investors.  

The Founder Institute is valued at roughly $30-billion, reportedly helping their alumni accumulate more than $950-million since 2009.

The Founder Institute has reportedly assisted over 4500 entrepreneurs across 90 countries. These entrepreneurs have benefited from the guidance and assistance of the institute, creating technology-based businesses that change the world. 

Accelerator programme details

Targeted at early-stage startups in South Africa, the accelerator programme aims to equip entrepreneurs with the skill set to upscale their existing business model. 

Over 40 leading experts in the field of business development and entrepreneurship will provide mentorship to the selected participants in the programme. This will be done through one-on-one meetings, online group workshops, and more. 

Each week entrepreneurs participate in a three-hour feedback session where they pitch their business venture to the mentors and in return, the mentors evaluate, give feedback, and train entrepreneurs accordingly. 

After the feedback sessions, the entrepreneurs build their business venture for the duration of the week while undergoing practical and challenging Business-Building Sprints.

The accelerator programme has two deadlines to enter the programme, early admission’s deadline is 7 November 2020 and the final admission deadline is 31 January 2021. 

Applications must be submitted online and applicants must be aware that the programme will take place virtually to assist with Covid-19 measures and ensure the safety of all. 

Each applicant will have to undergo an ‘Entrepreneur DNA assessment’, an online test that will evaluate their eligibility for the accelerator programme. 

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