The following post is a guest post by Theophil Haberstroh who helps support startups with their expansion to either France or Germany. Theophil is also an active member of the Digital Club Franco-Allemand (DCFA).
Founded in 2008, StartupBus is building an entrepreneurial ecosystem through a unique experience. The annual competition currently runs across two continents – the USA & Europe – and will be launched in November in Africa. Apply before the 15th of October and support this project on indiegogo!
When most people think of startups and big business opportunities, a lot comes into their mind… but probably not Africa!
Many things have lately changed in Africa, resulting in an immense economic growth and a fast and dynamically growing market. A mobile revolution is taking place there right now, since it is the fastest growing region in the world and has even more connections than the USA or the EU do (Informa Telecoms and Media). By 2014, 69% of all mobile phones will have internet in Africa (United Nations: Africa Renewal)!
And guess what? The Samwer brothers are already very present there with several businesses! For example Jumia, a e-commerce shop, which is in Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and the Ivory Coast.
So there are hundreds of reasons why you should take part in the StartupBus Africa, or at least back this amazing project on indiegogo!
The bus starts in Harare (Zimbabwe) on the 18th of November, continues to Johannesburg (SA), Bloemfontein (SA) and finishes its trip in Cape Town (SA) on the 23rd, bringing together 15 African and 15 International entrepreneurs for a unforgettable journey. In each of those cities you will visit numerous local startup hubs and work with mentors from across the focus fields: mobile, healthcare and energy.
40 people, from three disciplines, engineering, design and business, will be driving 2500km in five days! The first seats have already been attributed, having very experienced and diverse people from around the world on board, who have already successfully launched several businesses!
During the trip the participants will work together, thinking, designing and launching a startup. In the last stop Cape Town, the winner of the StartupBus Africa 2013 will be chosen, gaining the opportunity of representing South Africa in the global finale of the Global Entrepreneurship Week “Get in The Ring” competition.
The seats are limited, so hurry up and get yourself into this bus by applying now! For those who can’t participate, but who want to back this amazing project, there is still an indiegogo campaign going on! Finance for example 50€ and get a beautiful StartupBus Africa T-Shirt!