This is Saratoga's second year of involvement with the conference, focusing on initiatives with tangible outcomes: the Net Prophet Startup Workshop and the Net Prophet Bursary.
This free two-day workshop offers ten startups world-class coaching that is designed to set up young entrepreneurs for success. Facilitated by MentorCamp Canada's Permjot Valia, and supported by the Saratoga Innovation team, From Mind to Market is an invaluable opportunity to get new businesses, products or services to market.
Participants can expect to receive practical skills for improved business decision-making. Topics include:
Only ten startup teams will be selected to participate in the workshop. Previous workshop attendees represented the following companies: Frelio, Golfnicity, Innovation Lounge, MobiZing, My Claim Mate, Myows, NoJo Shomo, Perk, This Army, and Snapplify.
Visit www.netprophet.org.za/Startup-Workshop/Register/ to stand a chance to take part. Applications close 12 May 2013. Selected candidates will be announced on 15 May 2013.
From Mind to Market runs on 20 and 21 May at the Saratoga headquarters in Cape Town. For more information, visit www.netprophet.org.za/Startup-Workshop/ or www.saratoga.co.za.
My Claim Mate
Attended by Sizile Makola, 2012
My Claim Mate was established in 2010 to address the urgent need for efficient, time-saving UIF registrations and claims services for domestic workers. Managing director, Sizile Makola, has vast experience in the human resources field. Her track record spans numerous industries from financial to legal services.
"I had immediate success by phoning a prospective corporate client who invited me to present that same week. I used the pitch I developed at the workshop and I'm proud to say they were sold and are now one of the clients we service! All in all it was a wonderful learning opportunity especially the practical aspect of it as you can see it has been a great help to me in actually getting business."
Snapplify
Attended by Alon Lichtenstein & Wesley Lynch, 2012
Snapplify is a digital publishing solution targeting content providers. Multiple publications can be sold from a single app making it the perfect solution for magazines, newspapers, book, journals, videos and audio. The app is custom branded and clients have full control over pricing of their content. Via an easy to use content management system, clients can upload, edit and delete their content from anywhere at any time.
"I found the workshops were fantastic. The deep insight that was shared with us as a team was superb. It definitely impacted me and my ability to be a better professional in the realm of business developments, understanding differing approaches to clients, and also meeting some great players in the startup space in Cape Town. Acceleration is definitely to be recommended."
Myows
Attended by Max Guedy and Chris Human, 2011
Myows began in response to blatant content theft and a belief in a better way of managing copyright. The service helps creative folks to take better care of their intellectual property and related copyrights.
"Thanks to his workshop and teachings with regards to dealing with investors we have refined our pitch and revised our business plan, then went to London to meet the crème of Europe's VCs. It was a huge opportunity for us to meet Permjot - someone with a foot in the global investment networks. Attending the Acceleration workshop gave us a much needed fresh perspective on running and financing an online business."
