TechCrunch and Facebook are collaborating to bring their experience with Startup Battlefield, one of the world’s premier startup competitions, to Sub-Saharan Africa to discover great early stage companies that have created technology to solve problems and develop the ecosystem within the region.
The Battlefield is slated to happen in Nairobi, on October 11. The pitch-off competition will feature startups from all over Africa in three categories: Productivity and Utility, Social Good, and Gaming and Entertainment. Top notch investors and founders, as well as TechCrunch editors, will serve as judges to pick the winners in each category as well as an overall winner – the best early stage startup in sub-Saharan Africa. We’ll also have a great line-up speakers and networking opportunities to round out the day.
Invites of all attendees have been dished out as we wait for the d-day.
TechCrunch Startup Battlefield Africa
Nairobi , Wednesday Oct. 11
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Opening Remarks: Matt Burns (TechCrunch)
9:05 AM – 9:30 AM
Africa Unicorn: How Do We Produce the Next African Unicorn?
In conversation with Eghosa Omoigui (EchoVC Partners), Tayo Oviosu (Paga) and Sacha Poignonnec (Jumia)
9:30 AM – 9:35 AM
How the Startup Battlefield Works with Matt Burns (TechCrunch)
9:35 AM – 10:35 AM
Startup Battlefield Africa Session 1: Productivity and Utility
Judges: Wale Ayeni (International Finance Corporation), Aaron Fu (Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology), Andreata Muforo (TLcom Capital), Lexi Novitske (Singularity Investments) and Eghosa Omoigui (EchoVC Partners)
10:35 AM – 10:55 AM
BREAK
10:55 AM – 11:20 AM
Connectivity: Solving Africa’s Connectivity Equation
In conversation with Bob Collymore (Safaricom), Erik Hersman (BRCK), Bitange Ndemo (University of Nairobi) and Uche Ofodile (internet.org)
11:20 AM – 12:20 PM
Startup Battlefield Africa Session 2: Gaming and Entertainment
Judges: Monique Idlett-Mosley (Reign Venture Capital), Helen Jennings (Nataal), Leo Stiegeler (Ringier Africa AG) and Chris Savides (ShowMax)
12:20 PM – 12:45 PM
Development: Will Startups Solve Africa’s Biggest Development Problems?
In conversation with Dr. Solomon Assefa (IBM Research – Africa), Rebecca Enonchong (AppsTech), Wambui Kinya (Andela) and Juliana Rotich (Africa Tech Ventures, BRCK)
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
LUNCH
1:45 PM to 2:45 PM
Startup Battlefield Africa Session 3: Social Good
Judges: Shuonan Chen (Agile Venture Capital), Yariv Cohen (Ignite Power, Kaenaat), Tomi Davies (Lagos Angels Network, African Business Angel Network), Isis Nyong’o Madison (Asphalt & Ink) and Alexia Tsotsis (investor and former co-Editor, TechCrunch)
2:45 PM – 3:10 PM
Creative Industries: Digitizing Africa’s Creative Industries
In conversation with Obi Asika (Dragon Africa), Blinky Bill (Just a Band), Graeme Cumming (MultiChoice), Monique Idlett-Mosley (Reign Venture Capital) and Samuel Mensah (Kisua)
3:10 PM – 3:40 PM
Facebook Session: Keynote & Fireside Chat
Ime Archibong (VP Platform Partnerships, Facebook)
3:40 PM – 4:25 PM
Facebook Session: The Startup Journey to Success
Facebook’s Emeka Afigbo (Head of Middle East and Africa, Platform Partnerships) in conversation with Chijioke Dozie (Co-founder and CEO, OneFi), Mark Essien (Founder and CEO, Hotels.ng) and Eric Thimba (Co-founder and CEO, MOOKH)
4:25 PM – 4:45 PM
BREAK
4:45 PM – 4:55 PM
Startup Battlefield Winners Announced
4:55 PM – 5:00 PM
WRAP
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
RECEPTION
As for the companies that will appear on stage, the names will be announced on October 11.
Startup Battlefield Africa starts at 9:00 AM EAT on October 11. The event will be live-streamed on TechCrunch. Be sure to tune in.
