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11 women-led startups gun for Sh20mn StanChart fund

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Standard Chartered Bank Kenya CEO Lamin Manjang at the launch of Women In Tech Incubator on October 2, 2017 at Strathmore University. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NMG

Eleven start-ups have been shortlisted for the Sh20 million Standard Chartered Bank #ticker:SCBK Women in Tech Incubator programme in collaboration with Strathmore University.

The current finalists include Mzurii, Africa Solutions, Nekkta, Maziwa Plus, Avopower, HeriOnline, Zydii, ZOA, Beta Art, Catapult Studios and Bismart.

The 11 will go through a 12-week incubation programme at Strathmore University’s @iBizAfrica.

They will receive mentorship coaching from top business leaders, technology and legal professionals; immersive world-class entrepreneurship curriculum; networking and exposure opportunities to expand their business networks.

“The 11 were shortlisted based on team composition..such as female founder and a well stated problem and solutions. The teams also demonstrated sound business model with clearly defined target market and client base and had measurable social impact in the communities they operate,” said Director of @iBizAfrica- Strathmore University Dr Joseph Sevilla.

Dr Sevilla said five winners out of the 11 women entrepreneurs will later be picked by a panel of judges after final output presentation battling out for about Sh1 million in seed funding.

The start-ups also stand to get free membership to the Kenya Women In Technology fellowship programme and alumni network upon completion of the incubation period.

Standard Chartered CEO, Lamin Manjang, said through the incubator programme female-led start-ups in the ICT sector are positioned to transform Kenya through innovation that would open up viable businesses.

“It is very encouraging that we received applications from all over the country. We believe the shortlisted teams have great potential for advancing to the finals," said Mr Manjang on Monday.

READ: 40 women start-ups eye StanChart’s Sh20m fund