Those wanting to participate in the events should register on the SAP forum website. The programme is open to South Africa-based entrepreneurs whose ventures are at an early stage. Anyone with business ideas focusing on payment platforms, blockchain, remittance, insuretech, alternative lending, big data, artificial intelligence or any innovation that disrupts financial services is encouraged to enter.
On 20 October, the top six startups that meet all the criteria will be invited to pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts and potential business connections led by Nicole Anderson, a global expert in financial technology. These companies will then be invited to a comprehensive training session focused on how to develop prototypes using the SAP HANA Cloud technology on 21 October.
The qualifying startups will also receive a complimentary three month membership to Rise Cape Town, a gathering space renowned for its innovative approach to hosting Africa’s brightest minds in the financial services technology industry.
According to Elke Simon-Keller, innovation lead at SAP Africa, “The programme will provide startups with access to SAP’s technology, customer-base as well as mentorship. With the help of our technical experts and software developers, we are also confident that winning fintech startups will benefit immensely from the technology hands-on workshop to develop their own business prototype.”
“Rise Cape Town has partnered with SAP as we share a vision to bring startups and corporates together to solve some of the biggest challenges facing financial services. By creating a community of the world’s brightest thinkers and doers, Rise is able to empower startups and connect them to potential investors, partners and customers – and in the case of the Fintech StartUp programme, ultimately boost the African economy and help the continent prosper,” said Camilla Swart, ecosystem manager of Rise Cape Town.
To date SAP says it has impacted over 3,750 startups across Africa and via the collaboration with Barclays Rise, SAP plans to expand the forum into the rest of Africa.
For registration/application visit https://www.f6s.com/.
