AYO Technology Solutions (AYO), in partnership with the SA Innovation Summit has launched the AYO Scaling Africa Series, an initiative aimed at empowering technopreneurs.

According to a statement from the organisers, the series will identify and support digital and tech businesses from South Africa – those that disrupt the ecosystem with novel ways to solve business and everyday needs for communities across Africa.

“The AYO Scaling Africa Series will provide Series A funding-seekers, with high growth strategies and a sustainable competitive advantage, a chance to build capacity and grow. It aims to provide exposure, access to new markets, funding and scaling opportunities, and business support. Entries open on 6 April 2021 and are open to technopreneurs across all industry verticals,” reads an excerpt from the statement.

The top five finalists will participate in a virtual pitching den in July and have the opportunity to share their stories in a roundtable discussion and showcase their offerings at the annual SA Innovation Summit event taking place on the 21-23 September 2021.

Audrey Verhaeghe, Chairperson of the SA Innovation Summit said: “The fast-growing digital entrepreneur is an agent of change on the continent of Africa, we are honoured to be showcasing them at the Summit in 2021”.

Up for grabs is a chance to win R100 000, to be considered for equity investment, gain exposure and market visibility for a business, as well as opportunities for funding and business support.

Jeni Kostova, Marketing Executive at AYO, who will also be on the selection committee, observed: “Africa is ripe for exponential growth accelerated by advancements in technology. This is already a well-established fact. However, although we are a continent of innovative minds and invention, accessing funds to scale a business is not always the easiest to achieve. This is where AYO comes in and we are therefore delighted to be partnering once again with the SA Innovation Summit, to lead the charge on taking innovation to the next level in South Africa, sustaining its growth and the positive impact in terms of the economic democracy technology can enable.”

A report entitled, ‘Africa Tech Venture Capital Report’ shows that 347 African tech start-ups raised US$1.4-billion in 2020. The report emphasises the need for increased collaboration to strengthen the continent’s start-up ecosystem.