Rwandan technology incubator Think, in association with Tigo and Millicom, has unveiled its first round of companies selected for support. According to Think, the four selected teams represent innovative digital private sector services that demonstrate the potential to scale across Africa.
Over 150 applications were received from across the globe; however, the company is only, for now, offering four start-ups USD 15,000 in funding as well as access to Tigo networks across Africa, mentoring from business and tech leaders, tech-specific curriculum on how to develop their businesses and a range of support structures from Think corporate partners.
Tigo Rwanda GM, Tongai Maramba listed the four start-ups as:
Beliaa, Egypt: www.beliaa.com
Beliaa is a mobile application for Road Assistance, using GPS Location services, and provides traffic tracking and other transportation information features. The company was founded in 2012 by Amgad Morgan, and has quickly been gaining user traction in Cairo.
Cribpark, Nigeria: www.cribpark.com
Cribpark offers platform for real estate matching, home design, and architecture, and connects homeowners to an array of valuable goods and services. Cofounded by Dare O. Pius and Oaldapo Ayo, the team of eight is building a one-stop shop for African housing items for a local context.
PollAfrique, Ghana: www.pollafrique.com
PollAfrique is a research platform for Africa, allowing respondents to participate in incentivized surveys via a number of online channels. Developed out of Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (M.E.S.T.) in Ghana, CEO Samuel Dzidzornu leads a strong team that will bring a new perspective on big data. Recently featured on CNBC, PollAfrique has been highlighted as a “Venture of Pan-African Significance”.
TorQue, Rwanda: www.torque.co.rw
TorQue delivers channel management software for wholesale distributors in the beverage and telecommunications industries and is designed to run the entire distribution business. Founded in Kigali by Jean Niyotwagira, the company has some traction with large-scale beverage distributors, and is looking to expand.
The four selected teams have been invited to participate in a six-month accelerator program, beginning in Kigali, Rwanda in early November 2014.
Darryl Linington
