Start-ups receive technological support, business know-how, and access to potential investors and business networks.
Working together
Each of the three partners offers start-ups a great opportunity: BizSpark provides access to software development tools, connecting the member entrepreneurs with key industry players, and providing the marketing visibility which these high growth potential start-ups will need; FMGR will build their business skills and network connections; while the programme is also a key pillar in AngelHub’s ‘Startup Cultivator’ designed to teach business-building skills, create relevant business networks, provide access to funding and enable start-ups of the angel investment group to take advantage of market access opportunities.
Great opportunity for start-ups wanting to learn
AngelHub’s Brett Commaille says that truly successful start-ups, tech and high growth eco-systems are built on cooperation and the spirit of sharing, especially in terms of knowledge and experience.
“The phrase ‘Give before you get’ is one you often hear bandied around Silicon Valley,” he says. “It involves those with experience and resources giving back and sharing the knowledge they have with those who are keen to learn.”
“BizSpark and the Find-Make-Grow-Realise programme have the combined resources and experience needed by many young high-growth potential business entrepreneurs who are keen to learn and use the tools available to accelerate their growth while avoiding the many pitfalls that hinder them from reaching their real potential.”
Plugging the gap between entrepreneurs and investors
FMGR is a two-day programme that was launched earlier this year by the UCT GSB in association with AngelHub and growth equity fund manager Knife Capital to promote the development of early-stage, high growth entrepreneurial activity in South Africa.
Designed to plug the gap between entrepreneurs and investors, blending the research rigour of the business school with practical investment thinking, the programme brings them together under one roof to share the classroom and provides them with in-depth insight and understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape in the country.
The FMGR programme will be on offer in Johannesburg on 16 and 17 April and in Cape Town on 4 and 5 June. For more information contact Joanne Boulton on +27 (0)21 406 1431 or visit www.gsb.uct.ac.za