Jarrod Hermer, startup expert and tech evangelist at Microsoft, spoke to HumanIPO about the startup scene, Microsoft’s focus and technology in Africa.
HumanIPO: How long have you been involved with, and what attracted you to the startup scene?
Hermer: I have been involved in the startup scene since 2001 when I founded my own startup Mybeat Interactive Technologies with two friends, Rodney Kuhn and Wayne Silbermann.
We received funding from Here Be Dragons (HBD), Mark Shuttleworth’s venture fund. I left Mybeat at the end of 2012, but am still passionate about startups and want to help fellow entrepreneurs succeed.
How would you describe technology in Africa, based on your role at Microsoft?
I think technology is critical to Africa’s success. One just has to look at countries like India and Israel, which have minimal natural resources. Yet, with proper investment in education, government and industry support for startups, they have generated a lot of wealth.
In order for us (Africa) to be competitive in the global economy we need to develop local talent that can be globally competitive.
From my role in Microsoft I am trying to educate the developer community, as well as help individuals and startups take their ideas and create a successful product.
Where does Microsoft’s priority lie in terms of South African investment?
This is extremely high on Microsoft’s agenda.
We have started an initiative called App Factory, which employs students for a limited period in order to train them to be in a better position to find work in industry.
There is another initiative called the Jobs Fund.
Do you think there are enough South African role models for entrepreneurs to look up to?
There are not many and unfortunately most leave the country once they are successful. This relates back to one of my previous statements around our government needing to be more friendly or supportive of small businesses and startups.
What do you think is needed to elevate African startups to the level of international businesses?
Real government assistance for all entrepreneurs, not just Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) ones.
I have heard too many times how people have not received Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) funding due to a lack of a BEE rating. That is short sighted. More startups equals more jobs. This is an irrefutable fact.
Better tax incentives for small business owners. Better corporate governance around government led investment funds so funds actually get allocated and used correctly.
