IdeasAfrica.com is a new online startup that links young tech entrepreneurs with seed investors and venture capitalists from around the globe.
With a vision to give the young entrepreneurs a channel to access funding from potential investors, the program’s creators based in Nairobi Kenya saw the need for seed funding for the start-ups, to help propel their businesses to the next level of growth. Since inception, the program has to date enlisted over 70 technology start-ups in Africa.
To access the free platform, one needs to sign up by either providing an email address or by using their Google account. Users then fill in the names of their startups, give a brief description on what it does, list the market it covers and completes their profile. The entrepreneurs are encouraged to update their profiles regularly to keep the investors up to date with their growth and undertakings.
“Investors world over want to invest in technology entrepreneurs to help them build amazing companies that solve eminent global problems like poverty, crime and unemployment,” said Beverly Mbeke, IdeasAfrica representative. “It is however, not easy for investors to find the entrepreneurs. IdeasAfrica endeavors to fill that gap by connecting technology entrepreneurs in Africa to investors locally and internationally,” Mbeke added.
Unlike entrepreneurs in the developed economies who have existing networks, Africa has few platforms that help bridge the gap between the startups and investors.
Innovation in Africa is giving birth to companies that are getting international attention. IdeasAfrica will help a majority of upcoming startups in Africa get the attention and consideration they need from investors to grow their businesses.
The early-stage start-ups also have the opportunity of using the platform to update their followers on upcoming deals or job opportunities or simply attract new clients.
For investors, IdeasAfrica will be a place than they can access and review progress of the businesses. This will help inform their investment decisions.