Startup Battlefield is coming to Lagos and other cities. It is organised by TechCrunch, a reputable online magazine focused on technology news and analysis.
Last year TechCrunch went to Nairobi, Kenya (a key SSA market) in partnership with Facebook for their startup competition targeted at attracting top startups in Sub-saharan Africa (SSA).
This year, they will once again be partnering with Facebook to bring their Startup Battlefield to Lagos, another key market in SSA. Perhaps, next year, they will go to South Africa.
What is Startup Battlefield and how does it work?
Startup Battlefield brings top early-stage startups together on a stage to compete for a Disrupt Cup, and a $50,000 prize (Bonus includes media and investor attention).
These startups are being judged by TechCrunch editors, top venture capitalist, and entrepreneurs. Some of their past winners include 10-year old Dropbox which just went public at $21 per share (biggest tech IPO since Snapchat).
Furthermore, participation is FREE. Also, the prize money is essentially a grant, no equity involved.
In 2015, Nigerian startup, MAX, an on-demand delivery service targeted at Urban Africa was listed as one of the four finalists (out of a carefully selected 15 companies) in TechCrunch Disrupt, London – startup battlefield. Although they were just a runner-up, what they got was a much-needed exposure which came via a feature post on their work by TechCrunch, a site with over 10million followers on Twitters.
So yes, it is that much of a big deal.
What you need to know about this year’s Startup Battlefield Event
Here are 10 more facts about this year’s event.
- Early-stage startups are welcome to apply
- 15 companies in each region will be chosen to compete
- Travel support for the finalists to the host city will be provided by TechCrunch
- Coaching from TechCrunch’s editors’ pre-Demo day will be provided.
- Winners will receive $25,000 plus a trip for two to the next TechCrunch Disrupt event
- At that event, winners can exhibit free of charge, and,
- If qualified, winners stand a chance of participating in the Startup Battlefield competition associated with that Disrupt.
- What are the dates? To be determined, however, the one for Lagos has been positioned for early December.
- How to apply? Visit apply.techcrunch.com.
- If you are interested in sponsoring one of the events? Email them at sponsors@techcrunch.com.
Disclosure: All photos in this post have come from TechCrunch