Basic Information
Dates
June 14 - 15
Tickets
Free for general admission
Location
Fumba Town, Zanzibar
Purpose
Startup Weekend will be a two-day sub-event of Zanzalu, co-hosted with Cube Zanzibar - the leading startup accelerator in Zanzibar. This event is designed to convene startups from across the continent to to network, pitch their enterprises, attend participatory skills workshops, and hear from renowned speakers.
Theme
The theme for Zanzalu Startup Weekend 2024 is “Building a Startup Ecosystem.” Startups are most successful when they are embedded in a thriving entrepreneurial system. From exploring strategies for attracting investment and nurturing tech talent to shaping a supportive regulatory environment and fostering community engagement, the event aims to catalyze collaboration and growth within East Africa's burgeoning startup ecosystem.
Audience
Entrepreneurs and stakeholders from across East Africa - especially Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, but also Nairobi, Addis - and beyond.
Event Structure
Register to get the final schedule in your inbox!
Schedule
June 13: Pre-Event
5:00 - 7:00 PM: Welcome event and ZED talk by Michael Muthukrishna (author of A Theory of Everyone) at Kwetu Kwenu Chill
June 13: Pre-Event
5:00 - 7:00 PM: Welcome event and ZED talk at @Chill - Michael Muthukrishna
June 14: Day 1
10:00 - 10:15 AM: Opening remarks
10:15 - 10:30 AM: Keynote 1
10:30 - 11:30 AM: Panel 1 - Attracting Investment
11:30 - 12:30 PM: Panel 2 - Tech-Driven Business Strategies
12:30 - 12:45 PM: Keynote 2
1:00 - 2:15 PM: Break for lunch/networking
2:15 - 2:30 PM: Reconvene
2:30 - 3:30 PM: Pitch Competition - Session One
3:30 - 4:30 PM: Parallel workshop sessions
June 15: Day 2
10:00 - 10:15 AM: Brief opening remarks
10:15 - 10:30 AM: Keynote 3
10:30 - 11:30 AM: Panel 3 - Shaping a Supportive Regulatory Ecosystem
11:30 - 12:30 PM: Pitch Competition - Session Two
12:30 -2:15 PM: Break for lunch/networking
2:15 - 2:30 PM: Reconvene
2:30 - 3:30: Generative AI Meetup
5:00 - 7:00 PM: Closing, Competition Announcements & Live Music at Kwetu Kwenu Chill
Panels
Attracting Investment for Your Startup
Capital is critical for bringing great ideas to life. This panel will explore strategies, challenges, and opportunities related to securing funding for early-stage ventures within the ecosystem. Panelists will share best practices and tips for effectively building a compelling value proposition, developing a robust business plan, pitching to investors, structuring deals, and navigating the fundraising process. They will also Providing an overview of the current investment landscape for startups, including trends, investor preferences, and funding sources, including traditional investment, crowdfunding, grants, and corporate partnerships.
Panelists:
- Musa Kamata
- Daniel Yu
- Kyle Schutter
- Zahoro Muhaji
Tech-Driven Business Strategy
This session will explore the cutting-edge functionalities and future advancements in these transformative technologies. Our expert panelists will share insights into how AI-driven applications, blockchain innovations, and robust cybersecurity measures are shaping the tech landscape. They will also discuss practical business strategies for leveraging these technologies to gain a competitive edge, enhance operations, and integrate them seamlessly into existing systems. Discover how these advancements can drive innovation and growth in your business.
Panelists:
- Jordan Kalebu
- Tahaa Farooq
- Mrisho Lukambe
Shaping a Supportive Regulatory Environment
Government policies and regulations play an outsized role in shaping startup ecosystems. This panel with examine the role of policymakers and regulators in creating an environment conducive to startup growth through supportive policies, incentives, and regulations. Panelists will also discuss the importance of collaboration between startups, corporates, academia, and government entities in driving innovation and creating synergies.
Panelists:
- Dr. Twahir Khalfan
- Chema Triki
- Nicholas Haan
- S.A. Kakai
SME Pitch Sessions
Overview
As part of the event, founders will have the opportunity to deliver concise, compelling pitches to a panel of industry experts. Following each pitch, our judges will provide constructive feedback to help founders refine their strategies and fine-tune their pitches. Standout pitches will be recognized and rewarded, with prizes available to support the growth and development of winning ventures. Plus, participants will have ample opportunities for networking and collaboration throughout the event. Whether it's funding, mentorship, or exposure, our goal is to provide tangible support to promising entrepreneurs.
Intake Form
Limited spots so apply quickly!
Prizes
The winner of the pitch competition will win 300 USD, second place will win 200 USD, and third place will win 100 USD.
Scoring Rubric
Criteria 1: Clarity and Structure (20 points)
- Clear Problem Statement: Does the pitch clearly articulate the problem or opportunity that the venture addresses? (10 points)
- Structured Presentation: Is the presentation well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion? (5 points)
- Logical Flow: Does the pitch flow logically, guiding the audience through the key points of the venture's value proposition? (5 points)
Criteria 2: Innovation and Impact (25 points)
- Originality: Does the venture offer a unique solution or approach to addressing the identified problem? (10 points)
- Potential Impact: What is the potential impact of the venture, both socially and economically? (10 points)
- Scalability: Can the venture scale effectively to reach a larger market or address broader challenges? (5 points)
Criteria 3: Market Opportunity (25 points)
- Competitive Advantage: Does the venture demonstrate a clear competitive advantage or differentiation in the market? (10 points)
- Market Analysis: Is there evidence of market research and understanding of the target audience? (10 points)
- Addressable Market: How large is the potential market for the venture's product or service? (5 points)
Criteria 4: Business Model and Viability (15 points)
- Revenue Model: Is there a clear and sustainable revenue model outlined for the venture? (5 points)
- Cost Structure: Has the venture considered its operational costs and potential revenue streams? (5 points)
- Path to Sustainability: Does the pitch address the long-term viability and sustainability of the business? (5 points)
Criteria 5: Presentation Delivery (15 points)
- Engagement: Does the presenter engage the audience and maintain their interest throughout the pitch? (5 points)
- Confidence and Clarity: Is the presenter confident in delivering the pitch, with clear and articulate communication? (5 points)
- Visual Aids: Are any visual aids used effectively to enhance the presentation without overshadowing the content? (5 points)
Overall Impression (Bonus Points)
- Innovative Demo or Prototype: Bonus points may be awarded for the demonstration of a working prototype or innovative technology.
- Passion and Vision: Bonus points may be awarded for demonstrating genuine passion and a compelling vision for the venture's future.
Total Score: 100 points
Note: The scoring rubric is subject to adjustment based on the specific goals and priorities of the pitch competition organizers.