The biggest innovation conference in Africa, Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF) will be held next week in Nigeria, and the tech startup with the best initiative will be awarded a cash prize of $10,000.
The AFF event, which is tagged “Disrupt 2019; Digital Gold Rush”, will hold on May 16, 2019, at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Some expected guest speakers are Australian futurist and CEO of Moven, Brett King, and Access Bank Plc’s CEO, Herbert Wigwe, who will speak on “the Future of intelligent Bank”, as well as facilitate the launching of Tamada.
What is Tamada? Tamada is a conversational and transactional chatbot, which assists with the transfer of funds, payment of bills, book loans, and investments.
Purpose of the event: The conference will feature innovators and experts from Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Robotics, Blockchain technology, and many other Fintech sectors, all of whom will engage with one another, exchange ideas and information.
An opportunity for innovative startups: Also, Startups that have growth potential will be identified for acquisition and partnership from prospective investors. The event will also provide a platform for strategic partnerships and collaborations between Access Bank Plc and investors, experts, regulators, innovators and technology companies to create a new era of technological disruption in the banking industry.
About the $10,000 startup prize: 20 startups attended the Startup Challenge that held on the 3rd of May and 5 Startups were shortlisted to demo at the Conference in a bid to win the $10,000.
Shortlisted startups;
- Gricd,
- SmartTeller,
- Trep Labs,
- Kaoshi and
- Seso.
AFF offers other funding opportunities: AFF, through its partner network offers funding of $30,000 in pre-programme investment and post-accelerator programme investment after Demo Day to promising startup cohorts.
Speaking on the value startups derive from AFF, the organisers said AFF bridges the gap between startups and their capital needs, as well as offer guidance that leads to their growth.
“AFF scouts the startup ecosystem, conducts open application processes, and leverages off partner networks (global accelerators, financial and technology partners, government and donor agencies etc.) to find and attract promising FinTech startups.
“Startup cohorts from the AFF continue to receive ongoing support post Demo-Day, as well networking opportunities with the extensive AFF partner network.
“Startups also receive formal and informal referrals, voluntary quarterly check-ins and invitations to mentor current cohorts in the accelerator programme, and most importantly, continued access to funding.”
About Africa Fintech Foundry: AFF is an Access Bank Plc initiative that aims to nurture, fund, and accelerate the growth of tech startups in Africa through its mentorship and accelerator programmes, fast-tracking their growth and maturity to deliver relevant solutions to the market. It also aims to provide greater financial services to the financially-excluded across the continent.