Simodisa - an industry-led initiative aimed at assisting start-ups - has short-listed entries for its "Get up, Start up" competition, giving technology-driven companies a chance next week to pitch their ideas to potential investors.
According to the organisation, its competition will allow the eventual winners to receive networking opportunities with global entrepreneurs and influencers, while learning the tricks of the trade to grow their businesses.
Winners have the opportunity to meet some of Silicon Valley's entrepreneurs.
The companies short listed are:
Peach Payments
This payment solutions company caters for emerging markets and offering businesses online and mobile payment options, enabling them to accept money from consumers across the globe. The company says its focus is on Africa and the Brazil, Russia, India, China and SA countries, where local infrastructure requires a unique and tailored approach to online payments.
Iono.fm
Iono is an audio aggregator that publishes content from local and international radio stations, including podcasts and audio books. Users can make use of the Web site using computers, or mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. According to the company, its catalogue continues to grow, with hundreds of new episodes added daily.
GenWye
GenWye aims to solve problems associated with how parcels are sent and received. The company has developed an electronic parcel hosting system that allows users to collect parcels at pre-defined locations at their convenience. The company says surveys conducted by market research companies indicated users were sometimes inconvenienced when parcels are delivered directly to them, and it also aims to drive down costs incurred by failed deliveries.
Wumdrop
This online and mobile app-driven service enables users to get quick access to courier services by entering in a pick-up and drop-off address for any items they wish to send between two points. Its initial service area is focused in Cape Town and users enter their credit card details in order to facilitate payments. Drivers trained to use the system are notified through an app when a new delivery opportunity is available.
Flavalite Innovations
According to the company, it aims to develop innovative IT solutions, including tailored e-ticketing services, customised ICT research and development, technology-driven business process design as well as training solutions. Flavalite partners with existing players in some of the solutions they provide and the company says it works closely and shares insights with the likes of ticketing company Webtickets.
Rethink Education
This e-learning solutions company wants to tap into high social media appetite among the youth by working in its social and chat functionality into the classroom. According to the company, its platform "feeds into this preference by delivering educational content broken down into 'bite-size bits' and presented through a social network style, chat interface". Rethink Education notes its work is implemented without veering from the South African school curriculum.
Apurimac Media
In a bid to assist companies either looking to enter or expand across different African countries, Apurimac offers a range of digital media strategies tailored to each targeted country. Some of its services include digital marketing and advertising. The company says its collaborative approach aims to tap into the growing and ever-changing digital landscape across the continent.
The Lightie
This start-up developed as a result of a locally-invented picosolar light bulb solution, which screws into a soda bottle to create a clean, low-cost lantern. The bulb uses lithium battery technology and promises around 40 hours of light from eight hours of sunlight exposure. The solution wants to provide safe, affordable lighting for millions of under-resourced regions across the continent.
Mzansi Stores
The e-commerce venture targets local designers and gives them a chance to showcase their entire product range online. They are also trained to work with e-commerce platforms to drive sales using the platform. The start-up says it uses its social media presence to promote the different brands it has partnered with as a further means to drive engagement with consumers.
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