Seedstars is back again for the 5th time – but this time there will be a twist. Everything is being done virtually and for that we have COVID-19 to thank.
From June to November each year, the Seedstars team looks for the most promising early-stage startups from 90+ emerging markets that will receive intensive training on how to be investment-ready. The startups take part in local, regional, and global stage competitions, but only one of them will be crowned as the Global Winner and receive a prize of up to USD 500,000 in equity investment.
How will Seedstars online competition work?
- Apply to the nearest local competition in the ecosystem where your startup has operations (Harare).
- The Seedstars team will evaluate all applications using a purpose-built algorithm – the Investment Readiness Score – to evaluate the viability of your startup.
- All applicants will receive their score and selection results by the end of August 2020.
- Startups that meet all of the selection criteria will receive access Online Seedstars Academy in August.
- Accepted startups will have 2 months to utilize a series of webinars, training materials, and articles created by the Seedstars Investment Team and network of mentors.
- Network with startups in your local ecosystem and exchange experiences with your peers.
- Seedstars Analysts will review all applications and select the finalists from each ecosystem.
- Startup finalists from each local competition will be invited for a 1-1 interview with the Seedstars team to showcase their MVP, user traction, and the scalability of their business model.
- One local winner will be selected to advance to the Regional Stage of the competition
Selection criteria
- Technology startups, tech-enabled startups and/or early-stage companies;
- Presence of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP);
- Initial traction with users;
- Operations based in the country/city of application;
- No previous investments larger than USD 1M.
Application requirements
- Pitch and application submitted in English;
- Obligatory attendance to the preparatory online activities of the competition;
- Maintenance of active and responsive communication.
