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Seedstars, the swiss-based company that driving entrepreneurship in emerging markets, is launching its fifth hub in the African continent in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania in partnership with Omidyar Network.
The launch of Seedspace Tanzania will happen on the 10th of July in a move a move to fulfill Seedstars 2018 mission to launch startup centered hubs and launch tailor-made “startup packages”, including benefits that fit their needs at the different stages.
“For a long time we’ve been active in the Tanzanian ecosystem, organizing Seedstars World and engaging with local and international players. Omidyar Network played a vital role in the process, by supporting the opening of this hub, through which we aim to consolidate our activities in the country, providing Tanzania with access to a robust international community, more than just a space” stated Romulo Navarrete, Head of Operations at Seedspace. “Omidyar Network and Seedstars have been major partners for many years. It made great sense now that we joined forces to provide a greater impact to Seedspace members“.
The event will bring remarkable speakers together, including Edwin Bruno, founder & CEO of Smart Codes and one of the most prominent figures for tech entrepreneurship in Tanzania; Tanya Mulamula, Seedstars World partner and ecosystem builder, as well as Benjamin Fernandes, Founder and CEO at Nala and a remarkable figure in the tanzanian ecosystem; Seedstars Alumni Lilian Makoi, from Jamii and Charles Matondane, from Simu Bima (winners of Seedstars World Tanzania 2016 and 2017, respectively).
“We are thrilled to join forces with Seedstars to provide the vibrant and dynamic entrepreneurial community in Tanzania with a strong platform on which to build their innovative businesses,” said Ameya Upadhyay, Investments Principal at Omidyar Network. “There is no shortage of bold ideas in Tanzania. Through the new Seedspace hub, entrepreneurs will be able to leverage Seedstars’ global network, tech expertise, and startup acceleration program to execute on those ideas and realize their potential to improve the lives of millions of people in Africa.”
Currently, Seedspace has nine hubs: two in Geneva, Switzerland (La Chevillarde and La Praille); one in Lagos, Nigeria; another one in Abidjan, Ivory Coast; one in Cape Town, South Africa; two in Colombia (Bogota and Medellin), one in Cairo, Egypt and now this one in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Very soon, the company will open Morocco and Myanmar.
“We aim to have 30 hubs around the world by the end of 2018.” adds Romulo Navarrete. “This expansion is pivotal so that we can bring more impact to local ecosystems while interconnecting the different locations, creating access to an international community of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and corporates interested in innovation”.
