Europe’s largest startup accelerator Startupbootcamp believes the time is right to launch an intensive three-month incubation programme in South Africa, having been impressed with the entrepreneurs present at two “Mini-Startupbootcamps” held recently.
Disrupt Africa reported in February Startupbootcamp announced two one-day accelerator programmes would be held in Johannesburg and Cape Town, aimed at showcasing “what Startupbootcamp is all about” to South African entrepreneurs.
The mini-programmes were held on March 10 and 13, with Startupbootcamp South Africa co-founder Karolin Kruiskamp telling Disrupt Africa the initiatives were “a truly vibrant experience for us, we were impressed by the energy, ideas and progress that all the startups made during the day”.
Seven local startups participated in the programme in Johannesburg, these were Pallux Group, DrugSign, Geomall, ZAFreelancer, Kaslaam, Zimtix and Learnbook.
In Cape Town, six startups took part, namely, VA Connect, OfficeNinjas, RedFish, Bulltagger, The Studio Group and J&J Rewards.
“One thing I love about Startupbootcamp is that it acknowledges the fact that it “doesn’t have funds to give but it has connections to share”. I think that is very powerful, the fact that you are willing to share whatever you have…which is something no-one can take away from us. From this I have learnt to be as clear, supportive and encouraging of information,” said Randy Mampuru, co-founder of Pallux Group – one Johannesburg-based participant.
“We gained so much insight and experience from that one day workshop than what we did on a previous five day workshop,” said Karen Wessels, co-founder of Cape Town-based participant VA Connect.
Based on the success of the two “Mini-Startupbootcamps” Kruiskamp said Startupbootcamp believes there is space to launch an intensive accelerator in South Africa.
“Startupbootcamp believes that within South Africa there is place for an intensive full-time three-month programme – and that the right time is now,” Kruiskamp said.
“We are looking forward to connecting to all Southern African initiatives and build together a strong international network that allows all local entrepreneurs to grow at their best ability.”
Disrupt Africa reported Startupbootcamp is fundraising to enable it to roll-out in South Africa, and in February it emerged in South Africa Startupbootcamp will merge with Johannesburg-based accelerator Seed Engine.
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We have not merged with any accelerator but working together with the local market to connect us with potential investors and partners for setting up an accelerator in South Africa. Amongst them are Seed Engine, but also other local startup initiatives.