Johannesburg-based accelerator programme Seed Engine has merged with major European equivalent Startupbootcamp, with the partners now fundraising to host accelerator programmes in South Africa.
Seed Engine ran two accelerator programmes in 2013 but was postponed last year, with co-founder Marc Elias confirming to Disrupt Africa the company had agreed the merger and fundraising had begun.
Disrupt Africa reported last year Startupbootcamp, which is Europe’s largest accelerator, was fundraising in order to launch in South Africa, with Marc Wesselink, selection and alumni manager for the company, saying it was looking for ways to organise programmes with a focus on e-commerce startups – including mobile payments – in Johannesburg and a Smart City & Living programme in Cape Town.
Elias has now been confirmed as co-founder and managing director (MD) of Startupbootcamp Africa, though there is no confirmation yet as to whether the fundraising targets have been reached.
“We are trying to find a way to get as many parties involved as possible to boost the startup ecosystem in South Africa,” Wesselink told Disrupt Africa today.
“We are talking with all big local and international corporates and investors but also the local governments to make this a success. It is only going to work if everybody is on the same track.”
Wesselink previously told Disrupt Africa the Startupbootcamp programmes costs US$3 million to run for three years including cash investment for 30 startups. The company earlier this week confirmed it will be hosting two one-day “mini accelerator programmes” in South Africa in March.
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Accelerators have it hard in Africa. One thing for sure is this fact is not going away so soon. But all the best seed engine.