Seed Engine launches boot camp competition for entrepreneurs

"The search is on to find the ten best distinctive and disruptive business concepts that deserve a chance at success. We are looking for early stage entrepreneurs who have a big dream to fulfil," says Marc Elias of Seed Engine.

Once the final selection has been made, ten teams of entrepreneurs will begin a life-changing journey through a 13 week accelerator boot camp where they will each be given R100 000 start-up capital to convert their ideas into practical business plans ready for launch. The accelerator is a business and personal boot camp for entrepreneurs. The concept of accelerators has become a global phenomenon, driven by successful entrepreneurs and investors.

Introduction to potential investors

Entrepreneurs will be offered coaching, mentorship, work space and support and an opportunity to grow their concept into a business. On completion of the programme they will be introduced to potential investors via a presentation day so that they can attract additional funding. It is anticipated that the entrepreneurs will raise between R200 000 and R2 million for next round funding.

The Seed Engine accelerator model includes seven main features:

• A highly competitive application process
  
• Seed capital in exchange for equity
  
• Focus on small teams, not necessarily one founder
  
• Intensive mentoring and coaching and a fixed calendar of events
  
• Ten ventures per accelerator programme
  
• Introduction to investors for further funding
  
• International exposure.

"Angel investors and venture capitalists take a keen interest in these accelerator programmes because they create a pipeline of investable companies, filter top talent and connect them to disruptive and innovative opportunities," Elias says. "The primary investment principle at any stage of investment is the assessment of risk. Typically, in the South African context, investors are known to have a low appetite for risk.

Programme to reduce risk

"Seed Engine has therefore developed its accelerator programme to significantly reduce the risk profile of the accelerator participants and improves their chances of success, as well as giving them the opportunity to raise additional capital for their ventures. 85% of entrepreneurs going through accelerator programmes in the USA are still trading after four years. It is also in the interest of Seed Engine to increase the likelihood that the underlying businesses are successful, as we will hold equity positions in all of the accelerator ventures."

Entrepreneurs can enter by going to www.seedengine.co.za and complete the application process. Applications are open until the end of November 2012. The application should clarify points of difference, scalability, disruptive strategies and team details. The first activation will begin in February 2013.