SEEDSTARS is coming to Banul for the first time to find the best startup in The Gambia
Seedstars World, the largest startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes, is coming to The Gambia for the first time. With the support of the local host Paradise Suite Hotel, Seedstars will be holding a dynamic pitch event on 17th of November, 2018, at 15:00 hrs.
The companies selected to pitch at the Seedstars Banjul event need to be less than two years old, have raised less than USD 500k in funding and built a minimum viable product, ideally with existing traction. The Seedstars team is searching for one additional criterion: the startup’s regional and global scalability. Selected startups will give a three minute pitch in English, in front of a jury made up of local startup heavyweights, followed by another fine minute Q&A session.
The applications are open until 6th of November and startups are invited to apply at https://www.seedstarsworld.com/event/seedstars-banjul-2018. After a careful screening, the Seedstars team will shortlist around ten of the best seed-stage startups in The Gambia to pitch on the 17th of November for the opportunity to compete at the Seedstars Summit, that annually takes place in Switzerland.
It’s Seedstars’ goal to place the spotlight on entrepreneurs from emerging markets, especially those targeting solutions that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals. With that in mind, Seedstars World is travelling to more than 65 countries to identify the most innovative seed-stage startups, awarding them the opportunity to win up to USD one million and network with investors and mentors from around the world at the global Seedstars Summit in Switzerland. Its previous participants have raised over USD 120 mn collectively, providing employment to more than 2.100 employees worldwide. With a strong network of international partners, such as Merck, SPECo, Enel or Continental (amongst others) the competition organizers are looking for smart startups that tackle regional issues and develop profitable and sustainable products for the global market.
“At Seedstars, we believe talent and good ideas are everywhere. We see ourselves as a platform connecting investors to the next generation of startup entrepreneurs in places where normally people wouldn’t think startup ecosystem have such traction, growth and buzz. We are very excited to be in The Gambia, highlighting such a bustling entrepreneurship ecosystem and we are here to witness the reality” , explains Claudia Makadristo, Regional Manager for Africa at Seedstars , “We are also experts in identifying which are the ones to pull through and how. We’re impressed by what we have seen in the region so far and cannot wait to add startups from The Gambia on our map.”
In order to provide local entrepreneurs with this opportunity and aiming to deliver the best possible event, Seedstars is closely working with David Jeng, who is representing the initiative throughout the year. ‘’Seedstars will enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting startups to the global market and providing them a platform to compete globally and finally join the digital transformational journey to create economic development’ ’ explains David Jeng, Founder at Bliss Executives .
“The Gambia Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) are the main sponsors of the event. “ The Gambia Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) addresses the economic root causes of irregular migration by supporting youth employment and entrepreneurship. The project takes a market-led approach to improve the skills and employability of potential and returning migrants according to demands of the job market and simultaneously creating employment opportunities along Gambian value chains. YEP focuses on vocational training and support for start-ups, micro and small-sized enterprises and creates new jobs in selected sectors through value addition and internationalization. The four-year project is funded by the European Union (EU) Emergency Trust Fund for Africa and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations .”, explains Raimund Moser, Project Manager, at YEP.
Further support is provided by PointClick Technologies, Paradise Suites Hotel and Disrupt Africa.