African Start-Up Investment Summit
Session 1: 23 April 2020, 3pm SAST
Session 2: 30 April 2020, 3pm SAST
Session 3: 7 May 2020, 3pm SAST.
A three-part webinar series discussing tangible solutions that address the challenges facing African start-up economy, co-organised by Founders Factory Africa and AfricArena, with the participation of ACfA.
Taking into account the challenges facing the African start-up economy, the webinars will focus onthe concrete and practical solutions that are evolving in the market. By engaging entrepreneurs, early-stage investors, ecosystem enablers, regulatory bodies, and corporate partners, we hope to shed light on those taking actionable steps in these uncertain times and promote an aligned discourse in a solution-driven format.
Part 1 of 3 – A resilient African start-up ecosystem
23 April 2020, 3pm SAST.
This session focuses on the practical solutions available to African start-ups during a time of crisis from the perspective of those who are innovating and responding in real-time.
- The founder/investor dynamic: hear from both sides of the table as they navigate these uncertain times and focus on runway extension, bridge financing and customer retention/traction. Speakers include Sarah Dusek (General Partner: Enygma Ventures), Meg Faure (CEO: Play Sense) and Emilian Popa (CEO: Illara Health), all of whom have rapidly responded to the current conditions.
- Spotlight on financing tools: hear from experts about the use of venture debt and crowdfunding as sources of capital in the current environment. Speakers include Elizabeth Howard (Ag. CEO: African Crowdfunding Association) and Amanda Cotterman (Managing Partner: Equalife Venture Debt).
- Market-making initiatives: introduction to and emphasis on some of the collaborative efforts to facilitate investment through shared resources and market access.
As economies face the harsh ramifications of a slowdown in trade, early-stage entrepreneurs and start-ups are especially affected by the resultant liquidity crisis and slowdown in consumer activity. Yet, these very same start-ups and entrepreneurs are likely going to innovate to lead our collective charge out of this economic trough as a continent and will go on to provide economic opportunities for thousands across Africa in the post-COVID era. Join the collective effort to maximise their chances of succeeding for all of us.
Part 2 of 3 – Investing in early-stage businesses during uncertain times
30 April 2020, 3pm SAST.
This session brings together fund managers and limited partners to discuss short-term measures that can be adopted to raise investment in Africa, including examples from those who continue to execute deals in the current environment.
Part 3 of 3 – Catalysing an aligned investment process in Africa
7 May 2020, 3pm SAST.
This session introduces long-term, sustainable interventions to stimulate African early-stage investing.
