The founders of more than 50 tech start-ups across Africa have joined forces through Pando DAO, an autonomous organisation with a mandate to develop the continent’s tech ecosystem. It is also a community partner of Silicon Zanzibar, a government-led initiative to turn the island into a hub for tech talent and companies.
Ventureburn can confirm that founding members of Pando DAO represent founders and early builders such as mPharma, Wasoko, Pariti, SunCulture, Africa Health Holdings, Stitch, Marketforce, 54Gene, Mara, VertoFX, Turaco, Raise, Carry1st, Jetstream and more.
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Collectively, these founders represent start-ups that are currently valued at over $2 billion and have raised over $500 million in capital. Their companies employ over 10 000 people across 15 African countries.
One key project is a venture capital fund for early-stage tech companies in the continent which will leverage the expertise and network of its members and return funds back to them.
On the newly-formed partnership with Silicon Zanzibar, Pariti co-founder and chief executive Yacob Berhane said Pando DAO member’ companies will be supported in opening operations and relocating staff to the island.
Pando DAO will also support the Zanzibari government in developing a regulatory and policy framework that will support innovation and its digital economy, including a strategy to ensure the development of local tech talent. In doing so, it will enable Silicon Zanzibar to serve as a model for digital economy enablement to other African governments.
Initial initiatives will include a hub open to Pando DAO members, and a Pando CEO Summit both launching later this year.
Berhane, who is also a founding member of Pando DAO, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the government of Zanzibar on this initiative. We believe that through this partnership, we will be able to drive the tech ecosystem in Africa forward, with Zanzibar serving as a key part of that story by attracting tech companies and talent, and also developing homegrown companies and talent as well.”
Jetstream chief executive and Pando DAO member Miishe Addy added: “I am truly excited to be part of such a ground-breaking community of top tech founders from across Africa. With the opportunity to shape policy and partner with the government of Zanzibar, the potential for the tech sector to drive economic transformation across Africa has never been more apparent.”
Meanwhile, Mudrick Soraga, Zanzibar’s minister of investment and economic development, said, “We are excited to officially partner with Pando to co-create the policies and initiatives that will transform Zanzibar’s economy. Working with Pando DAO presents us an opportunity to work side-by-side with the leading players in the African tech ecosystem.”
Pando DAO continues to grow its members to form the strongest and most impactful founder community on the continent. Experienced founders interested in joining Pando in its mission to accelerate the African tech ecosystem, can click here to apply.
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