Apply for Fem-In-Tech Acceleration Programme 2021. This year’s Fem-In-Tech programme builds on the success of the 2020 Fem-In-Tech Development Programme. Click here to learn more about the outcomes.

Summary 

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 entrepreneurs. Fem-In-Tech Acceleration Programme aims to support women-owned businesses to prepare for venture capital investment and other financial-supported growth strategies to scale into new markets. Fem-In-Tech aims to empower women tech and tech-enabled start-ups with the skills to grow and scale their businesses into the continent.

A select cohort of female entrepreneurs will undergo a 6-month acceleration programme where they will build their investment case piece by piece with the help of dedicated mentors. A community of female founders and business enablers will have a purpose of supporting each other and growing their businesses. These founders will also participate in the Fem-In-Tech Demo Day at the upcoming SA Innovation Summit and will be matched to potential business supporters and funders through the Match and Invest Platform.

Why Apply?

• Participate in the Fem-In-Tech Demo Day.
• Be matched to potential funders & business enablers.
• Participate in an Investment Readiness Acceleration Programme.
• Be connected to venture capital funding & debt funding.
• Selected 10 women will be a part of an overseas trade mission.

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: Flexible self-paced world class content to fit any founder’s schedule.
• One-on-One Virtual Mentorship: Captains of industry available at the click of a button.
• Community: A tribe of African innovators supporting and inspiring each other.
• Access Investment: Facilitated introductions coming from reliable sources.

Criteria

A panel of evaluators will review all the applications and make a selection based on information provided in the application form. The Top 40 applicants will go through an interview process with a panel of expert judges to select the Top 30 Female Founders.

• 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 / 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?

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