Investor Marketplace at Sahara Sparks 2020

Forging connections with a potential VC, collaborator, or mentor can make all the difference to entrepreneurs. With this innovative VC-startup intimate session, Sahara Sparks will bring together key investors, and entrepreneurs with 1:1 meetings virtually, to help catalyze fruitful discussions for mutual benefit

These meetings will be only available for selected early-stage businesses after an initial round of shortlisting. Once selected, we will notify you.

Sahara Sparks Marketplace

The Sahara Sparks Investor Marketplace is designed to help startups meet top VCs and Angel investors in their sector, understand what they are looking for, and take their startup to the next level. Sahara Sparks will curate one-on-one meetings with VCs and startups by sector, funding stage, and other criteria. These meetings will be only available for selected startups after an initial round of shortlisting. Once selected, we will notify you.

Here’s What You Need To Know

How can I be a part of these meetups?

To be part of Investors Marketplace, you must be registered. Dates and timings for the sessions will be shared upon shortlisting. All startups will undergo a round of shortlisting based on the registration form to ensure relevant matches.

If selected, the entrepreneur will be notified by mail and will be required to buy the tickets (link will be provided) for confirmation of participation. Details regarding format and further details will be shared with the confirmed participants via mail.

Can I still participate if my company does not have a prototype/MVP?

Unfortunately, no. Startups who wish to participate must at least have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with traction. Below are the criteria for the specific tracks.

Seed Investment

  • Registered business with existing product/service/technology.
  • Market & customer validation.
  • Growth & traction.
  • Must have a minimum of 50% black equity holders.

    • Series A Investment

  • Must be trading for a minimum of 18 months.
  • Must have accounting & financial records (minimum of signed & up to date Management Accounts) prepared by a professional member (i.e SAICA, ACCA or SAIPA for SA).
  • Must be owner managed.
  • Must have achieved minimum revenues of USD 6,100[ R100, 000 ] (cumulatively) since inception.
  • Must have a minimum of 50% black equity holders.

    • When and where can I see the list of participating investors?

    The list of participating investors and will be updated on this website on a continual basis.

    How long will a meeting be?

    Each startup will get up to 10-15 min per VC and can expect to meet representatives from multiple funds in a speed dating format. Each meeting will be timed.

    Can I still participate if I missed the pre-registration deadline?

    No registrations will be accepted after the deadline closes.

    Is it possible to apply more than once for my company?

    Each company can only apply once to this event. Multiple entries will not be accepted, and do not increase the chances of more meetings being scheduled. In the event of multiple entries, only the first entry received will be considered.

    Can I change the time schedules after I receive a confirmed meeting slot?

    All meetings will be set according to a fixed schedule. Time schedules of confirmed meetings will not be changed. In case you are unable to meet the investors at the specified time, we will pass on your contact and company details to them after.

    Organizing Partners

    Contact Info

    Address

    Al Dua Tower. Wing A, 6th Floor Opp Vodacom PLC, New Bagamoyo Road, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

    Phone

    +255 744 828 241
    +2772 649 0801

    Email

    accelerator@saharaventures.com info@mygrowthfund.co.za