20 startups to pitch to investors at Angel Fair Africa

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Angel Fair Africa will take place in Kenya for the first time on November 10 - 11, 2017 following previous editions in Johannesburg, Lagos and Accra, hosted by Angel Africa List and Chanzo Capital.

Keynote speakers McClure, Draper and Kirubi have already been confirmed, and 20 startups have now been selected to pitch in front of them and a wider investor audience.

The selected entrepreneurs include Rita Kimani of Kenya’s Farm Drive, Kenya; Tito Munhequete of Mozambique’s Izy Shop; Ugwem Eneyo of Nigeria’s Solstice; Josephat Mandara of Tanzania’s TIME Tickets; and Joanna Bichsel of Rwanda’s Kasha.

The 20 entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses in a storytelling format in a way that can connect directly with investors. The first day will feature pre-revenue startups, with the second day reserved for those that are post-revenue and raising their second or third round of capital.

Angel Fair Africa will also feature a panel of entrepreneurs sharing their experiences on building companies, putting together a founding team, and key successes and challenges. The panel of entrepreneurs will include Caitlin Dolkart of Flare, Andrew Airelobhegbe of OgaVenue, Eva Muraya of BDS Group, Erik Hersman of BRCK and Selorm Brantie of mPedigree.

“Africa is in urgent need of real mentoring from experienced ‘fathers’ and ‘mothers’, and it is time we rose up to that role. Many opportunities are presenting themselves across Africa and if we do not guide the young people then we will have failed as a continent. This is why I am at the forefront when it comes to mentoring and investing in the young people of Africa,” said Chris Kirubi, who will open the event in a keynote fireside chat.

Tim Draper, founding partner of Draper Associates, will be keynoting the second day of the event. “Africa shows promise to be the economic growth jewel of the next 20 years. As people become more mobile and connected, leaders will have to compete for the businesses and capital of the world, and Africans will benefit,” he said.

“As African countries become more free market and democratic, the people will become more entrepreneurial and the continent can take advantage of the breakthroughs in Bitcoin, Blockchain, drone delivery, stem cells, drug design, digital signatures, digital voting, digital identity and new efficient (virtual) forms of government that have not been available until recently. Entrepreneurship in Africa is here to stay.”