Wimbart, the tech focused public relations agency that specialises in Africa and emerging markets, has launched its fourth edition of Wimbart Office Hours.
Wimbart Office Hours is a free mentorship programme targeted at early-stage startups with a focus on companies building tech solutions for Africans on the continent or the diaspora and has been structured to provide guidance, insight and tools on a range of topics from developing successful communications plans to building relationships with journalists, communicating with investors and how to amplify press coverage.
Speaking on the launch of the fourth edition of Wimbart Office Hours, Founder and CEO, Jessica Hope says, “Wimbart has worked with almost 100 African technology companies over the years, which has given us a unique insight into the support and business tools they need. Previously we have focused Office Hours on PR & communications, but we realised that even more access to professional services was needed, which is why for 2022, we are excited to connect our incredible network of ecosystem operators to our cohort”.
Successful Cohort 4 Office Hours start-ups will receive three times one-hour all-cohort keynote training sessions, led by Wimbart [an introduction to PR & Communications], Ventures Platform [How to communicate with VCs] and TechCabal [How to communicate and build relationships with the media] before being matched with senior PR professionals from the Wimbart team who will deliver three one-on-one mentorship sessions over an 8-week period.
In addition, cohort four will receive expert talks from leaders in the investment strategy, legal and brand/consumer social space, with Odunoluwa Longe of TLP Advisory, Garth Manthe of Wowzi and Adetola Onayemi of Norebase delivering presentations.
Since launching in 2015, the company has gained a reputation for providing services beyond traditional public relations agencies, breaking big news stories and curating memorable press campaigns.
To-date, 70+ start-ups have gone through the programme, from over 10 countries and Wimbart Office Hours alumni include Healthtracka, Tix Africa, Artdey, Nguvu Health, Fashtracker and Vybe, among others.
Kola Aina, Founder and General Partner of Ventures Platform says, “The funding space within Africa has grown tremendously over the last few years and it’s critical for start-ups to understand how they communicate with investors at every stage and how to powerfully connect with their customer base. The Wimbart team has a stellar track record of selecting and mentoring some very exciting early-stage companies and we’re excited to be on board for cohort four”
Tech startups based in Africa or the diaspora interested in applying for Wimbart Office Hours can find out more information and apply for the programme via the website. Eligible startups must: be located or providing services to the continent , be less than two years old have a minimum viable product available and have secured investment at no later than a seed-level stage.