Applications call for UK-Kenya Startup-SME Linkage Program 2020. Metta in partnership with the UK-Kenya Tech Hub presents the Startup-SME linkage program, it aims at providing tech startups direct linkages to SMEs which fall under their target customers for a chance to secure a commercial deal. The program will require selected startups to present/demo their solutions to SMEs in a digital live marketplace for a partnership or commercialization deal.

Benefits

The program will

• Connect the participating startups with as many relevant SMEs that fit under their prospective clients’ catalog and vice versa.
• Also, provide an enabling environment (guidance and resources) where possible to facilitate more partnership or commercial deals.
• The hope is that every participant within the program will be able to at least secure 1 deal through this virtual pop up market place.

Startups

This program welcomes post-revenue startups with practical solutions that can help SMEs solve their existing problems. Startups plying their trade-in HR, agriculture, health, logistics, clean energy, e-commerce, digital marketing, customer experience both in a B2B and/or B2C vertical are highly encouraged to apply.

SMEs

The Program is looking for SMEs that are open for a commercial and/or partnership deal with innovative post-revenue tech startups operating in verticals such as HR, customer experience, digital marketing, agriculture, health, logistics, clean energy, e-commerce among others.

• Sample challenges could include: disrupted sales, logistics inefficiencies, poor website engagement, and e-commerce conversion rate…etc
• Sample opportunities could include: blockchain deployment, a more efficient HR digital system, better KYC, website development & e-commerce setup, digital therapy services for the team to better cope with the pandemic…etc

Requirements

Generally, all participants will

• Open to a partnership or commercial deal where feasible.
• Dedicate at least 3-4 hours between 12th October to 16th October to discuss partnership or commercial opportunities during the virtual Market Place Sessions.
• Dedicate at least 1 hour between 19th October to 30th October for virtual Debriefing Sessions.
• Open for further engagement post-program to track the progress of the commercial/partnership deals.

More information here