Net Prophet Now Accepting Sparkup! Applications

Apply to be part of a free three-day programme aimed at helping online start-ups pitch for the big bucks

Digital entrepreneurs who’ve found their feet but haven’t quite taken those first knock-kneed baby steps forward can find some much-needed guidance along with a prime opportunity to pitch to angel investors at Net Prophet’s 2014 Sparkup! weekend programme.

An intimate precursor to the larger, broad spectrum Net Prophet conference at the Artscape Theatre on Wednesday, 21 May 2014, the intensive and free-of-charge three-day session (16 to 18 May) is aimed at start-ups between six months and two years old that have yet to secure serious financial backing.

In previous years the programme was committed to helping fresh-faced future digital thinkers fine-tune their business proposals, but this time around, the workshop has exchanged its focus on framework for an approach that dwells on pre-investment grooming.

Led by seasoned investor and MentorCamp Canada founder Permjot Valia, the course includes one-on-one mentorship by industry experts, collaborative learning workshops and lectures that cover everything from competitor research and building a pitch deck to business networking and investor negotiation.

Community leaders making an appearance include representatives from business solutions company Saratoga, advertising agency OgilvySA, digital marketing specialist Heavy Chef and workshop gurus Lean Startup Machine.

Undoubtedly though, the cherry on top is the Sparkup! Live pitch session on Monday, 19 May; the challenge provides a select group of start-up teams a chance to secure real investment – there’s up to R1 million up for grabs.

At the end of the day, even those who come away empty-handed will be all the richer for simply taking in the full Sparkup! experience.

Eligibility & Applying for Net Prophet’s Sparkup! Weekend Programme

To apply for the Sparkup! weekend programme, complete the application form found at Sparkup.co.za before midnight on Friday, 9 May 2014. All successful applicants will be notified by Monday, 12 May 2014.

There is no charge to apply; though, all applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The start-up was founded after March 2012 but before December 2013
• Founders retain some ownership in company
• The founders must not have raised over R5 million in funds
• Two co-founders are available to attend the programme between 12pm on Friday, 16 May and 8pm on Sunday, 18 May

Qualifying for Net Prophet’s Sparkup! Live Investment Pitch

A select group of start-ups that participate in the Sparkup! weekend programme and make it through qualifying rounds will be given the opportunity to pitch to a group of angel investors who will make cash offers for equity in the business on the spot (note: there’s up to R1 million going).

Sparkup! Live will take place at 22Seven Vintage Theatre on Hout Street on Monday, 19 May 2014 at 6pm; it will be televised via Bloomberg TV Africa. The general public can buy tickets for R250p/p via Quicket.co.za.

Each start-up will have three minutes to make a pitch.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!