twitter Facebook Linkedin acp Contact Us

Four African technology start-ups to compete for funding in Italy

WiGroup enables retailers to accept mobile transactions by integrating them onto one platform via QR codes. (Image source: Preetam Rai/Flickr)

Global investment advisory firm U-Start has chosen four African start-up companies to represent its flagship event in Milan, Italy from 13-14 May 2014

The four start-ups - wiGroup, Over, Cape Ray Medical and MellowCabs - will vie for final stage funding at the U-Start Conference alongside winners from Brazil, Russia and Switzerland, U-Start said.

U-Start established U-Start Conference Africa to identify the continent's emerging technology and digital SMEs, with ideas put forward by the four winners spanning retail, healthcare, transport and social media.

WiGroup is a platform that enables retailers to accept mobile transaction applications by integrating them on one platform via wiCode, wiTag and QR Code; Over is an iPhone/iPad application which allows users to add text and artwork to photographs, and can be integrated into major social networks; Cape Ray Medical has designed a medical imaging product to detect breast cancer diagnosis; and MellowCabs provides green taxis for distances ranging from one to three kilometres.

Zachariah George, COO of U-Start Africa, said, "We are absolutely delighted with the success of U-Start Conference Africa. Every business that participated demonstrated pitches of the highest standard, testament to our belief that the entrepreneurial talent in South Africa is fast growing to be competitive with the likes of Silicon Valley.

"We're excited to take all four of the African U-Start winners to Milan, not just to showcase their amazing product, but to provide them with the exposure needed to secure investment and grow on a global scale."

The four companies will receive mentorship, incubation and training for a week in Italy and will also be given one-on-one introductions to a wide network of pan-European investors and a year of free access to the U-Start platform, U-Start Africa said.

The teams will receive international media exposure and a chance to network exclusively with industry stalwarts, it added.

Stefano Guidotti, CEO of U-Start commented that while Africa's profile as a technology hotbed was steadily rising, it lacked exposure, awareness and globally-led support.

The Bell team in Richards Bay consists of more than 800 machinists, welders, and assemblers. (Image source: Bell)

GFE Power Product’s extensive range covers generators from 10 kVA up to 3,000 kVA. (Image source: GFE Power Products)

The funding is the largest-ever equity raise in the minigrid industry according to Husk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The initiative will help African contractors participate in annual infrastructure investments. (Image source: Afreximbank)

ITS has evolved into a sophisticated systems approach, providing numerous opportunities to revolutionise road networks. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Invest International’s Lara Muller; Ivory Coast Minister of Finance and Economy, Adam Coulibaly; and Ambassador Designate to Ivory Coast, Jeroen Kelderhuis. (Image source: Invest International)

The Yellow Metal Machine Rental team with some Wacker Neuson equipment. (Image source: Wacker Neuson)

Although displaying resilience, the report warns that African banks remain exposed to physical climate risks due to both sovereign and industry lending. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

WAA and VCMI will seek to establish regulatory frameworks to enable access to high integrity and fair voluntary carbon markets for WAA member countries. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

The parties will also promote the mutual exchange of information and expertise in the field of export credit policies and practices. (Image source: TBD Group)

Inside Condra’s Johannesburg factory: an overhead crane positions an electric motor during assembly of hoist and crab. (Image source: Condra)

IVECO is renewing its entire product range, all at once. (Image source: IVECO)

The MoU was signed alongside the Africa Health Business Symposium. (Image source: Africa CDC)

Both the IMF and EIU expect SSA to rank as the world’s second fastest growing economy in 2024. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

There has been a focus on the sugar industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Evolving concept of energy security must address energy demand, system flexibility, technology access and infrastructure development, says IRENA. (Image source: IRENA)

World Bank & African Development Bank partner to provide electricity access to 300 million Africans by 2030, leveraging public-private investments. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

At WFES, Gotion High-tech will showcase its latest products and leading green energy solutions at its booth. (Image source: Gotion High-tech)

The new Perkins 5012 is a full-authority electronic engine optimised and purpose-built for power generation applications. (Image source: Perkins)

SSAB will begin deliveries of the new products in 2026.

The key issues restricting sub-Saharan Africa’s manufacturing sector will be unpacked at Manufacturing Indaba later this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hyphen is developing sub-Saharan Africa’s largest, most advanced and only fully-vertical integrated green hydrogen project. (Image source: Hyphen)

According to Liebherr, the Used Equipment Marketplace is extremely user-friendly. (Image source: Liebherr)

Electricity storage will be pivotal in unlocking renewable projects and meeting energy demand. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Africa Data Centres and DPA SA have broken ground on their solar farm in the Free State. (Image source: Africa Data Centres)

A Cat PM310 Cold Planer in action. (Image source: Caterpillar)

A larger stockholding of WEG products facilitates ready access for customers. (Image source: WEG Africa)

African nations have turned to the concept of power pools to address the continent's energy deficit and foster regional cooperation. (Image source: Synergy Consulting)

Dietmar Siersdorfer is expanding his role as Middle East managing director at Siemens Energy to include Africa. (Image source: Siemens Energy)

The Msikaba Bridge has anchor blocks 17 m wide which contain around 21,000 tons of concrete. (Image source: Sanral)