Comments on: Crowdfunding and Seed Funding in African Tech

By: Networking for Money « PAID: Private Actors in International Development

Networking for Money « PAID: Private Actors in International Development — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:26:42 +0000

[...] investors and intermediaries are beginning to consider the Base of the Pyramid; however, Erik Hersman at iHub argues that the amount of available seed funding is dwarfed by the demand of developing [...]

By: Luci Temple

Luci Temple — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:33:03 +0000

Have African entrepreneurs considered hooking up with the team behind http://www.urgentevoke.com? They are effectively crowdsourcing ideas to help “save the world” with a huge amount of people involved – including general public. It would be a good forum to address for crowdfunding.

By: Global Voices Online » Africa: Crowdfunding in Africa

Global Voices Online » Africa: Crowdfunding in Africa — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:57:42 +0000

[...] writes about crowdfunding and seed funding in Africa: “We’re starting to see a few angel investors like Sean Murphy of Chembe Ventures making [...]

By: robsalk

robsalk — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:27:16 +0000

Peer review is a great idea, especially as the incubation centers gain more independent credibility. Perhaps there’s also an opportunity for some kind of third-party juried competition. Each success will reinforce the reputation of the centers and strengthen the trust and social capital in the networks that do the recommending.

By: Rik

Rik — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:21:54 +0000

Seems to me that the (old-fashioned?) structure of attaching some kind of a board of highly networked, experienced people to the network would be one way to create both a good filter as well as a portal for the entrepreneurs into the investment world.

(Re: “Could these labs, which are now showing up all over Africa, be a way for entrepreneurs to make themselves known, show their stuff, then be introduced to the funds and investors with a greater level of confidence than normal?”)

By: Patrick Mwendwa

Patrick Mwendwa — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:18:53 +0000

I must say, I am really impressed with all the initiatives that my fellow African brothers are showing when it comes to technology and its advancement.

In my own opinion (I stand to be corrected), I think that its through technology (internet presence) that we shall be able to change Africa. Gone are the days of going to school and becoming a faithfull worker. We are in the information era and its the right information, at the right time, with the right person that will lead to a revolution if not make you filthy rich

On the other hand, the rest of the world seems to be thinking that Africa is another name for skin wearing people with no shoes. Lets make our presence felt and demand the attention of the world through our technological advances.

I am living in the US at the moment and together with my friends (2) have come up with a site that will assist businessmen in the Diaspora and Sub-Saharan regions have a presence in the global market and share internet-time with the top dogs.

By: Tawa Moonbloode

Tawa Moonbloode — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:16:08 +0000

I have been interested in KIVA and I came across this blog. I will definitely do more research on the funding situation in Africa and see how I can help.

Tawa Moonbloode

By: Jimmy Gitonga

Jimmy Gitonga — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:42:45 +0000

I am hoping that iHub will become a kind of “peer” review space for both developers, entrepreneurs and investors.

For developers, one will be able to share one’s idea including strategy, source code and goals, while the rest “tear” it to pieces and help to build it. This will happen because there is no fear of “plagarism” of ideas.

For the entrepreneur, one will be able to get a resource of developer access and investor interest in order for the idea to become a viable business.

For the investor, it will be a place to actually meet the entrepreneurs and know them, start a relationship and begin a journey that is “like no other”.

So, with reference to the last paragraph, I look forward to this.