SA startup Asimmetric accepted into San Francisco-based accelerator

Network monitoring company Asimmetric is the first South African startup to join the San Francisco-based hardware accelerator Highway1. Asimmetric is one of 12 companies chosen out of 350 applicants.

Asimmetric’s network sensors are used by WiFi providers and mobile operators to test internet quality. The company’s monitoring bots are already said to be installed on three continents. According to a recent press release, Asimmetric will be using the time at Highway1 to develop the next generation of its hardware.

“We’re a software and analytics business, but our proprietary hardware is an important part of how we deliver our product. Building hardware is difficult, but having partners like Highway1 and PCH, who’ve seen it all and done it all before, eliminates a lot of risk for us,” says co-founder and CEO of Asimmetric, David Wilson.

Read more: Asimmetric is a startup keen to monitor, optimise your Wi-Fi hotspot

A division of PCH, Highway1’s 16-week accelerator programme focuses on helping hardware-based startups. The accelerator’s dedicated team of engineers and professions will assist and help improve hardware, operations, and sales with the startup.

Those accepted for the prestigious accelerator programme also have access to experienced mentors, cash investments, opportunities to pitch to VCs, and a trip to China to work more closely with manufacturers.

Co-founder of Asimmetric Ross Douglas adds: “It was valuable to meet with suppliers and to see the most advanced factories in the world. We will bring what we have learned back to our partners in South Africa, as we continue to manufacture most of our hardware in Cape Town.

South African talent is more and more starting to make a name for itself on the global stage. Just earlier this year, on-demand domestic cleaning startup SweepSouth became the first to be accepted for the renowned US-based accelerator, 500 Startups.