Start-up help
JOBURG – Launching your start-up company could be made just a little easier with 1GIANTleap.
Start-up incubator 1GIANTleap brings tech entrepreneurs an unusual brand of mentorship, product development, and acceleration to help them become serious contenders in South Africa’s entrepreneurial tech space.
On May 15, applications opened for the 1GIANTleap’s South Africa’s next tech hero startup programme which empowers entrepreneurs to leap from idea to proven concept in 12 weeks. The programme launches on June 8 in Johannesburg.
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The criteria for the aspiring tech heroes are straightforward. “If you have an idea that you think will disrupt the African continent, and you have the courage to test and execute your idea, we want you to apply,” said Moniek van Erven, head at 1GIANTleap.
“One of the risks you run as an entrepreneur is to create something that nobody wants. For sure you love your own idea, but how do you make sure that you convert your idea into a proven business concept in as little time as possible, with the least possible investment?
“Our answer includes boot camps-on-steroids and mentorship by experienced tech entrepreneurs; sales support by linking our entrepreneurs to corporate clients, other SMEs, or individual customers; and product development support through our tech partner VSpace.”
At the end of the 12-week programme, the entrepreneurs pitch their proven concept to an investment board in order to obtain a spot in the 1GIANTleap 12-month programme. Only the most convincing and talented entrepreneurs are invited to continue their journey with them.
To date, 1GIANTleap has incubated 16 start-ups in the tech and green innovation industries that have gone on to build viable technological and green businesses.
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With the majority of start-up businesses failing in the first year, van Erven feels this programme is the best shot at making it for entrepreneurs “Failure rates for South African start-ups are amongst the highest in the world at an estimated 75 per cent. This means that the industry is ready for a different approach.”
Details: Find out more and apply today on www.1giantleapstartups.co.za/apply
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