Get your big break with AlphaCode Incubate

Andile Maseko, head of ecosystem development at AlphaCode

This year-long startup support initiative of Rand Merchant Investment Holdings (RMI), Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Royal Bafokeng Holdings seeks top applications that could disrupt the financial services sector and grow rapidly locally or internationally to create the next OUTsurance or Discovery.

The rewards are significant for the final eight businesses selected: a package valued at R2m each including R1m in grant funding and R1m in support services. This includes mentorship, monthly expert-led sessions, exclusive office space in Sandton, marketing, legal and other business support services as well as access to like-minded entrepreneurs, RMI’s extensive network of thought leaders, potential clients and capital.

Getting in is tough though. Last year more than 200 startups applied. The programme is for highly motivated South African entrepreneurs and those with potential for entrepreneurship, who want to change the face of financial services. Each business needs to be at least 51% black-owned and operating in the financial services space.

You could have a business or idea focusing on insurtech, data analytics, lending, savings and investments, blockchain or any other area of financial services. AlphaCode looks for strong entrepreneurial teams of two or more people with tech or financial services understanding and a business idea or model that they’ve validated a business case for, at least through some potential customer engagements. AlphaCode will also consider whether it can invest in this business over the longer term.

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Says Andile Maseko, head of ecosystem development at AlphaCode, “Whilst the initial attraction is the money, we have had our previous participants say that they value the top rate mentorship and learnings they get even more. We’ve showcased key learning modules such as regulation in financial services, digital marketing basics and growth hacking with speakers from the Reserve Bank and Luno.”

The programme, which began four years ago, has disbursed R21m in funding to 23 black-owned financial services businesses since its inception.

Applications close on Tuesday, 18 June 2019. Thereafter there will be a rigorous selection process involving business reviews as well as a boot camp for those shortlisted. The final shortlist of top 16 applicants will stand a chance to impress a judging panel on 1 August 2019 in order to secure one of the winning programme slots.

To appy, go to www.alphacode.club/incubate.