Norwegian accelerator – Pangea – partnered with Strathmore University’s @iLabAfrica Research Centre to connect Kenyan start-ups with global investors and mentors.

Pangea has opened an online platform to receive applications from start-ups in ICT, agribusiness, fintech, healthcare and education sectors. Deadline for application is February 19.  The applicants are required to address a gap in society.

40 start-ups will be selected to undergo a three-month training after which, 10 of the best start-ups will run a demo to stand a chance of winning funding of up to Kshs. 5 million ($50,000)

Pangea Accelerator offers dedicated expertise to help companies reach full potential and connect capital and investors to scale these companies.

Apart from @iLabAfrica, other advisers include impact investor Francis Stevens, associate professor Rotem Shneor and Michael Monari, CEO Longitude Finance (Lofin).

“Among topics to be tackled during the training are financial literacy, book keeping and accounting, compliance and personal finance management,” said Mr Monari at the launch of the partnership. He added that the interaction with investors, mentors and advisers will continue beyond the demo-day which is a deliberate move to support their growth and development.

The Pangea platform provides innovators with a larger pool of diverse resources to thrive.

Pangea’s plan comprises the launch of a crowd investment platform in June 2018, allowing accelerated startups further access to funding.

Pangea advocates for smart money investment, which entails pairing start-ups with investors who can not only provide funding but also have the expertise and experience to scale the startups in new markets.

 

Article by Business Daily.