Innovation City Cape Town announces 11 start-up finalists

Innovation City Cape Town, a leading South African hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship, has announced the finalists for its highly anticipated Tech Startup of the Year 2023 competition.

With over 100 dynamic and diverse technology start-ups from various industries applying for the competition, the selection process was rigorous, with the top contenders chosen based on their innovation, potential for growth, and impact on their respective industries.

The finalists will meet on Wednesday, 12 April at a special pitching event at Innovation City in front of a panel of judges. Organisers say the criteria for selection focused on several key aspects to determine the finalists.

Eligible start-ups needed to have a maximum of five years in operation, not have raised more than $3 million in funding, maintain a South African-based office, and possess a functional website as proof of a minimum viable product.

These requirements ensured that the selected start-ups were relatively young, had not yet reached significant funding milestones, and maintained a strong local presence.

The finalists represent a diverse range of innovative companies that are making waves in various industries.

The winner of the Tech Startup of the Year 2023 competition will be announced at the “Oscars for Business” gala awards evening on Thursday, 20 April. The event promises to be a highlight of the innovation community, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding start-ups.

The finalists, listed below in alphabetical order, represent a wide range of industries, including healthcare, fintech, logistics, e-commerce, data integration, and customer engagement, among others. Organisers say in a LinkedIn post that these start-ups have shown exceptional promise, with unique and innovative solutions that have the potential to disrupt their industries and create lasting positive change.

• Amnova has established itself as a frontrunner in the world of digital innovation, offering cutting-edge solutions to complex business challenges. It has a deep understanding of industry needs and is committed to staying ahead of emerging trends.
• Autoscriber has revolutionised the field of automated transcription services, particularly in the medical profession fraternity, with its advanced machine learning and natural language processing technologies.
• As a leading innovator in the field of data integration and analytics, Data Convergence has helped businesses unlock the full potential of their data. Its cutting-edge solutions simplify data management and empower organisations to make data-driven decisions.
• EngageMx is a pioneering start-up in the healthcare sector, offering patient retention and engagement solutions. Its platform, powered by advanced technology and data-driven strategies, enables healthcare providers to effectively communicate with their patients, fostering long-term relationships and promoting adherence to treatment plans.
• In the world of finance, Franc stands out as a disruptor, providing accessible and affordable investment solutions to individuals from all walks of life. Its user-friendly platform simplifies personal finance and investment management, and its commitment to democratising access to financial services and promoting financial literacy has the potential to make a lasting impact.
• Happy Pay has transformed the way businesses and customers interact during transactions with its innovative payment platform. Its seamless, secure, and user-friendly solution has gained the trust of merchants and consumers alike, and it is dedicated to improving payment experiences and fostering financial inclusion.
• LIVE FR8 has revolutionised the logistics and supply chain industry with its comprehensive digital platform that connects shippers and carriers in real-time. Powered by advanced technology and data analytics, the company streamlines the freight booking process, optimises routes, and reduces transportation costs.
• Momint’s ground-breaking platform for digital art and collectibles has positioned it as a leader in the growing market of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Its commitment to promoting creativity and supporting artists, combined with its user-friendly and secure platform, has earned it widespread recognition.
• Streamz Pay is an innovative fintech start-up offering a secure, fast, and cost-effective payment processing solution for businesses and consumers. Its user-friendly platform enables seamless transactions across various channels, with a focus on enhancing the payment experience and promoting financial inclusion.
• Strove is a comprehensive employee wellbeing platform on a mission to create healthier people and stronger businesses. They do this by leveraging technology to promote sustainable healthy behaviour change to reduce burnout and increase productivity.
• A trailblazer in the HR technology space, Wamly redefines the recruitment process through the use of artificial intelligence and automation. It platform streamlines candidate screening, assessment, and interview scheduling, resulting in significant time and cost savings for employers and job seekers.

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