African startups are invited to apply for the Latitude59 Pitch Competition, a prestigious platform designed to elevate early-stage ventures into the global spotlight. The competition is a key feature of Latitude59, Estonia’s flagship startup and tech event, which has earned a reputation as one of the most influential gatherings in the Baltic and Nordic regions. This initiative is an exceptional opportunity for innovative African startups to showcase their groundbreaking solutions in fields like fintech, cleantech, and greentech.
The 2024 edition of the competition will see African startups competing at the Latitude59 Kenya Edition, set to take place on November 28 in Nairobi. This event will lead up to the main Latitude59 conference, held annually in Tallinn, Estonia. Selected startups from across Africa will pitch their ideas to a panel of expert judges and a global audience, with the winning startup securing a place in the Latitude59 semi-finals in 2025 in Estonia. This platform offers unparalleled exposure and networking opportunities with over 900 startups, nearly 600 investors, and over 3,500 attendees from around the world, creating a dynamic environment for collaboration and growth.
According to Latitude59 CEO, Liisi Org, the competition aims to highlight the innovation and potential of African startups on the global stage. Org stated, “Last year’s strong results showed us that African startups are competing at the highest level, with significant contributions in globally important areas such as fintech and greentech. We are thrilled to be back in Kenya for the second year and invite startups across the continent to apply and showcase their innovations.”
Ten startups will receive professional pitch training and mentoring to prepare them for a strong showing at the Nairobi finals. These teams will compete for a prize pool of non-equity funding and additional prizes from various partners, offering substantial support to further scale their businesses. The winning startup from the Nairobi event will receive a fast-track invitation to compete at Latitude59 2025 in Estonia, with all expenses covered for the founding partner.
Beyond the competition, Latitude59 Kenya Edition promises to be a key gathering for the African startup ecosystem. The event will draw 2,000 participants, including investors, industry experts, and entrepreneurs from around the world. It presents a valuable opportunity for startups not only to pitch their ideas but to network with potential investors and collaborators, gaining insights and resources to scale their ventures.
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The application process is open to startups across Africa that meet key criteria, such as having a functioning MVP (Minimum Viable Product), demonstrated traction, and an actively engaged core team based on the continent. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2024.
Dolores Daniel, project manager for Latitude59 Kenya Edition, expressed excitement about the potential of this year’s competition. “Last year’s pitch competition in Kenya attracted nearly 300 startups, many of which had already secured customers and initial investments. We’re expecting even stronger candidates this year, and we are eager to support the next generation of innovative African startups.”
The Latitude59 Pitch Competition is not just a contest but a gateway to global recognition for African startups. With the growing prominence of Africa in the tech ecosystem, this competition offers an invaluable platform for startups to gain visibility, secure funding, and connect with key stakeholders in the global startup scene.
Applications are open until November 1, 2024. Therefore, this is an excellent opportunity for African startups to gain global recognition, secure funding, and establish valuable connections in the international startup ecosystem. Consequently, for more details and to apply, interested startups can visit the Latitude59 Kenya Edition application page here.
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