Specno Archives - AfricaBusiness.com

The “Founder’s Den” event, which took place at the Old Mutual headquarters in Sandton on Thursday 25 July, is responsible for successfully hosting over 150 business leaders, investors, and founders from a curated list of key eco-system players from South Africa’s startup community in Johannesburg last week. The gathering, which usually takes place in Cape Town, aims to shape the future of business in South Africa by bringing together a number of visionary entrepreneurs, tech industry leaders, and investors. It has been hosted on an annual and bi-annual basis by Specno since 2021, and its launch in Johannesburg this year was made possible by Old Mutual’s innovative partnerships and ventures hub, Next176. The event was organised with the aim of building a supportive ecosystem for startups ...

One of the most hotly debated topics in African innovation is South Africa’s claim to be the “Tech Capital” of the continent. Home to more than 490 startups and a combined US$1-billion (or R17.6-billion) in funding[1], South Africa is an undisputed leader on the continent. But in 2023, that reputation is slipping, as Nigeria takes the title of ‘Best Funded’ (US$2-billion) and as Egypt’s pool of startups crosses the 560-mark. Regardless of South Africa’s status, startups play an important role in driving inclusive and sustainable development. They create jobs, stimulate new skills, attract investment, and most importantly, foster new ideas with the potential to make life better for both people and the planet. But all of this is at risk if startups are not given the support they need to bui...

Tag: Specno

Young founders & investors flock to Joburg’s first Founder’s Den event, hosted by local digital innovation agency Specno

From failing at university to scaling SA’s top venture builder in four years – these two young entrepreneurs are on a mission to help 1-million people build good tech