Startups hoping to participate in this year’s DEMO Africa, which showcases innovations from across the continent, have three weeks left to apply.
Technology entrepreneurs from Africa are asked to apply through venture community VC4Africa, a platform for showcasing African ventures and a trusted DEMO Africa partner, before July 30.
HumanIPO reported last week it had partnered with Nairobi-based DEMO Africa in a bid to increase publicity and awareness of the tech scene on the continent.
Harry Hare, executive producer at DEMO Africa, said: “The bar is set even higher this year as we take the companies that have the highest potential and expose them to a growing number of investors, media and technology buyers.”
According to Ben White, a founder of the VC4Africa community, DEMO Africa will expose all types new innovations across the continent.
“It’s incredible to see entrepreneurs from across the continent come together for this event. The entrepreneurial tide is rising, and DEMO Africa is a powerful showcase of the type of innovation and the quality ventures now coming up,” said White.
To be eligible to launch at DEMO Africa, products must solve a real commercial problem, make an impact, change the marketplace or create a new market, have a business plan and a management team capable of delivering the product to market, and be making its public debut at the DEMO Africa conference.
The first DEMO Africa event took place in October last year, with 40 startups launched. These startups have gone on to close around US$8 million in investment and business deals.
The second DEMO Africa start-up launch conference will be held on 24-25 October 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya.
DEMO Africa is the flagship initiative of the LIONS@FRICA partnership, aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa.
