IBM’s Global Entrepreneur Programme is being extended to next-generation entrepreneurs in South Africa for the first time.
“The Global Entrepreneur Programme is focused on helping early-stage entrepreneurs to capture emerging business opportunities, especially in fast-growing industries such as energy, utilities, healthcare and telecommunications,” said independent software vendor and developer relations lead for IBM South Africa, Clayton Booysen.
South Africa is one of only 10 additional countries – including Brazil, China, Mexico, Spain and Germany – around the world to join the firm’s programme.
Who qualifies?
The global initiative is targeting start-ups that:
- are privately held;
- have been in business for five years or less; and
- are actively engaged in developing a software-based product or service.
“We are looking to convert start-ups to speed-ups by providing coaching and connections to IBM clients and partners,” Booysen said.
“We want to help these start-ups to get to market faster and at the same time, provide IBM clients with the hottest new technologies.”
Networking events to be held
South Africa will also host SmartCamps events in October as part of the programme.
SmartCamps are mentoring and networking events aimed at identifying early-stage entrepreneurs. They connect treps with investment firms, serial entrepreneurs, academics, marketing, communications and technology experts that can help accelerate the solutions of start-up companies.
As well as fostering technological advances, IBM’s Global Entrepreneur Programme supplements the company’s Venture Capital Group, by encouraging important strategic relationships with venture capitalists and the start-up community.