Fem-In-Tech Acceleration Programme

PROGRAMME BACKGROUND

The Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA), in collaboration with the SA Innovation Summit, bring you Fem-In-Tech – a female-focused acceleration programme for South African women entrepreneurs. Fem-In-Tech is aimed at empowering women-run tech and tech-enabled start-ups to become investment ready and grow their businesses beyond borders.

Through this programme, a select cohort of women will undergo investment readiness training, be connected to venture capital and growth funding instruments, and establish a community of female-led start-ups. This cohort will participate in the Fem-In-Tech Demo Day at the upcoming SA Innovation Summit and matched to potential business supporters and funders through the Match & Invest Platform. At the end of the programme, these women will be connected to venture capital and debt funding to enable them to scale their businesses into the continent.

FEM-IN-TECH CRITERIA

THE TEAM – South African Female Founder / Co-Founder. More than one founder and a strong team.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW – ≤ 5 Years in Operation (min. 1 year). Stage of development: angel investment/ venture capital.

PRODUCT AND INNOVATION – Is the product/service innovative and unique? Product maturity: minimal viable product/early stage/ready to scale. Competitive advantage (IP / Trade Secret)?

MARKET DEMAND – Are customers, segment sizes, distribution and after-sales proven? Sound knowledge of alternatives and competitive advantage.

SCALABILITY – Can the team and offering grow quickly, outpace competitors, and penetrate new markets? Is there a sound business plan.

REVENUE / FEASIBILITY – How is revenue generated? Have operations, marketing, pricing, volume, costs, risk mitigation, and return on investment been quantified?

INVESTMENT READINESS PROGRAMME

The Investment Readiness Programme is more than acceleration, it is an experience of building equity in the marketplace for you as a founder and your business.  The programme focuses on tangible outcomes that build your business as you work through the programme.

• e-Learning
• One-on-one virtual mentorship
• Community
• Access investment