day 1
OPENING: Africa’s Innovation Frontier
Embracing the Power of Innovation to Transform Africa’s Future
SAIS’23’s opening ceremony blends innovation and culture seamlessly, featuring captivating performances, along with insightful talks by distinguished keynote speakers. The ceremony sets the stage for days of exploration and collaboration to shape a brighter future for Africa and beyond.
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THINK TANK: Redefining Industry and Job Creation in the Exponential Tech Boom
The digital industrialisation is firing up the African innovation economy and what tomorrow’s jobs mean
In an era defined by exponential technologies that are reshaping industries and transforming the way we work and live, it is crucial to assess Africa’s position in this global landscape. Traditionally, industrialization has been a catalyst for economic prosperity and job creation. However, in the face of disruptive technologies, we must redefine our approach to funding and innovation to harness the opportunities they present. We will explore Africa’s unique potential and discuss strategies to leverage creative tech ecosystems as powerhouses for future employment and economic growth.
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OPENING OF VENTURE STAGE
Our esteemed partner for the Venture Stage, Sage, is poised to set the stage aglow, paving the way for a series of inspiring pitches that are about to unfold.
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WORKSHOP: Make It Stick
Building Your Brand and Story
Whether you’re pitching your business to investors or convincing your partner to do the dishes, the ability to persuade is paramount to making your vision of the future come to life. This workshop provides the knowledge, skills and tools to create engaging, convincing, and memorable narratives so that you may express yourself effectively, share your creativity with the world, and inspire positive change.
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SHOWCASE: TechTribe Portfolio
Explore some of the impressive startups from TechTribe Accelerator’s cohorts, showcasing their innovation and potential.
These startups include: Kombuta, Pheko PM Group, Mapha and Abiri
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KEYNOTE: The Generative AI buzz, for the best and the worst!
Exploring the Potential and Challenges of Generative AI in Diverse Industries
Generative AI allows the creation of diverse content. It has applications across entertainment, education, healthcare, and several business sectors, enabling new forms of creativity, increasing productivity and problem-solving. However, challenges like data quality, privacy, security, and ethical concerns persist.
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LIGHTNING TALK: Building the Sky of Tomorrow
The Journey and Vision of AutonoSky
Embark on a journey through our evolutionary path, marked by moments of triumph and trials, shaping us into who we are today. Discover the challenges we’ve encountered and witness how they’ve been transformed into unprecedented opportunities. Yet, amidst it all, the focal point remains the vision for the future—a sky teeming with boundless potential and groundbreaking innovation. In an era where technology is in constant flux, we firmly believe that the sky is not a boundary, but a gateway to uncharted possibilities
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MASTERCLASS: What I’ve learnt So Far About Advertising Online
Online Advertising Insights: Lessons from the Journey
When I started my first business after 15 years in the advertising industry, I thought it was going to be easy. I had the experience and the contacts to drive online sales from day one. But like all things in life, it wasn’t that easy. In this session, I’ll talk about all the things that worked for us in the last 3 years. We are still learning and we still have a lot to grow, but if I can share some lessons I learned, you don’t have to carry the scars.
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SHOWCASE: Brazil
Brazilian innovation meets global opportunities, powered by Instituto Jovem Exportador and the Technology Innovation Agency
These startups include: Atlantis Technologies, Ideia Space, BR.ino Robotica Educacional, Ver o Fruto and Hidromel Urucun
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THINK TANK: Energy is Everything
Empowering South African Start-Ups for Economic Growth, Climate Resilience, and the Just Energy Transition
Explore South African start-ups in the just energy transition. Learn how a low-carbon economy fosters growth, jobs, and energy security while fighting climate change. Discover the 2023-2027 Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) backing South Africa’s decarbonization and global green economy. Unleash start-up potential in EVs, green hydrogen, renewables, and manufacturing. Act on our commitments to tackle today’s challenge.
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LIGHTNING TALK: Innovation Through Problem Solving
Implementing Design Thinking to Drive Innovation
Humans are natural problem solvers and our greatest innovations have come from people seeking to overcome a challenge or meet a specific objective. In a world that is always looking for the next innovative idea, a robust Design Thinking led approach can enable teams to generate truly meaningful and innovative solutions that have a real human impact.
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WORKSHOP: Navigating the Ecosystem
Unraveling the Layers of Understanding and Identifying Your Position
In this interactive workshop, we will center our attention on the entrepreneur, assisting them in recognizing their position within these layers of understanding. Our aim is to guide them in navigating through these layers, ultimately leading them toward the breakthrough needed to establish a sustainable and innovative business.
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THINK TANK: A Year in Review of Unlocking South African Innovation
Case Studies from the Innovation Fund: Purposeful Capital Deployment and its Impact on Development
Join us as we delve deep into the progress of the Innovation Fund over the past year. Through a series of insightful case studies, we’ll explore how the fund has been instrumental in fostering the growth of tech solutions across various sectors in South Africa. Discover how purposeful capital deployment is not just about funding tech innovation and commercialisation in high-risk technology, but about driving socio-economic development, addressing Africa’s pressing challenges, and empowering innovators to make a difference.
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SHOWCASE: Anza-Grindstone Portfolio
Empowering the next wave of innovation and growth with the strategic backing of Anza Capital and Grindstone Ventures, we’re on a mission to redefine industries and create a brighter tomorrow.
These startups include: LocumBase, AgriLogiq, WISI-Oi Marketplace, Locstat, Tailorblend, NewForm Foods, Impulse Biomedical
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MASTERCLASS: Why Your Marketing is Not Working and How To Fix It for Greater Results
Reset for Customer Growth and Revenue Boost
It’s time to hit the “reset” button and create a new path to getting more customers and increasing your revenue. A great majority of companies will continue to miss their marketing and sales targets because of using outdated and ineffective methods. To succeed in the digital age, you need to implement the new ways that accommodate how customers discover, purchase, and engage with products and services. Join us and learn proven strategies on how you too can adapt to the new ways of digital marketing and sales to help you win more customers’ hearts and wallets. PLUS: Stand a chance to WIN prizes!
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LIGHTNING TALK: From Scrappy to Post Revenue
How to build from scrappy to revenue.
The Art of the pivot.
Building a rocket team.
Many ways to skin the sales cat.
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FIRESIDE CHAT: Leverage Startups to Diversify African Economies
Empowering African Economies
In today’s gathering, we aim to shed light on the pivotal role that startups play in diversifying African economies. As we explore this topic, we will discuss the current economic landscape in Africa, the significance of startups in driving diversification, and key strategies for leveraging this potential. Our goal is to equip our speakers with valuable insights and data to engage the audience effectively
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SHOWCASE: Tsiba Academy
Join us for an exclusive glimpse into the innovative world of Tsiba Academy as we present three of their promising startups. Get ready to be inspired by their groundbreaking ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and the future they are shaping!
These startups include: Rentoza, Ubiquity AI and Loop Taxi
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THINK TANK: Unveiling Africa’s Investment Realities
Navigating the African Investment Landscape for Mutual Benefit and Sustainable Growth
A look at Africa’s investment landscape highlights the challenges of achieving returns due to infrastructure, regulations, and socio-economic disparities. Despite these hurdles, success stories show how local dynamics can lead to triumph. Impact investing combines financial gains with positive change for sustainable development.
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MASTERCLASS: Unlocking Africa’s Future
Blockchain Opportunities and Challenges for Startups
As startups across the continent are beginning to embrace this revolutionary technology, it’s crucial to understand both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. During this session, participants will be taken on a journey that explores real case studies of startups who have successfully integrated blockchain into their operations, showcasing the potential impact it can have on various sectors including finance, healthcare, and supply chain. Moreover, the session will shed light on the unique challenges faced by startups in Africa, such as infrastructural limitations and regulatory hurdles, offering insights into how to navigate these complexities.
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COMPETITION: Africa Earth Observation Challenge
2023 Finalist Pitching Den
From Cotonou to Cape Town, and Dakar to Nairobi, our finalists represent an exciting mix of innovative endeavour from across Africa, that harness earth observation data in their solutions. With over 100 applicants from 24 African countries, our top 10 can be proud that they have made it through to the finals.
The finalists include: SOTILMA Farm, Tod’Aérs, Geosport, SYNCHROS, Drone Service Niger, ZR3i, CosmoLAB Hub, GeoDevOps Limited, SnooCODE Limited and YaAzi
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THINK TANK: Unlocking Innovation
The 8 Principles of Success
A panel discussion to discover why these principles are vital for transforming creativity into tangible products and services that can be successfully commercialized. It aims to provide insights into the importance of unlocking innovation to stay competitive in today’s business landscape. It will have the audience leave with practical knowledge to foster an innovation-driven mindset and drive meaningful change within your organization.
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LIGHTNING TALK: Creating Value in an Ecosystem through Context
Digitizing the Taxi Industry
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The Importance of Self-Awareness and Lifelong Learning for a Founder
Join Louis to explore why self-awareness and continuous education are crucial for founders. Learn how these traits contribute to the entrepreneurial journey and how to optimise your approach for lifelong learning.
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MASTERCLASS: Navigating the Funding Journey from Seed to Series A
Understanding the Transition, Expectations, and Metrics
A masterclass that delves into the nuances of seed funding and Series A investments. The session aims to provide valuable insights for both startups and venture capitalists (VCs) by exploring their perspectives on funding cycles and the contrasting metrics they consider.
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FIRESIDE CHAT: Innovating the Future of Water
Funding Opportunities and Sustainable Solutions
Join us for an engaging fireside chat as we delve into the future of the water sector. Our panel of experts will discuss the critical importance of sustainable water solutions and how innovation can drive change focusing particularly on digitalisation and effective wastewater management systems.
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CLOSING: Reflecting on Day 1
Empowering Tomorrow: Uniting for a Brighter Future
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day 2
OPENING: Innovate, Elevate, and Collaborate
Embracing a New Dawn of Possibilities for Day 2
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COMPETITION: SAIS TIA 10x Pitching Competition
Our spotlight shines on impact-driven concepts that have the potential to reshape society for the better.
Startups include: FlyH2 Aerospace, Foi Science, Aizatron, WHC, Thuto Education Online, LIQID Medical, Swift Livestock, Innovolve, Delmed and Sbewu Global Solutions.
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THINK TANK: Fuelling Global Competitiveness in a Digital Age
Exploring South Africa’s Digital Landscape: Risks, Rewards, and Opportunities
This session will delve into strategies for harnessing technical and digital innovations in South Africa to bolster manufacturing and drive economic prosperity. By spotlighting success stories and policy frameworks, we aim to inspire a new era of product development and industrial growth. This session serves as a platform to ignite a renewed focus on industrialization in South Africa, with an emphasis on technological innovations and product development. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging innovative technologies, we aim to drive economic growth and prosperity for the nation.
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MASTERCLASS: Navigating the Education Innovation Ecosystem
Challenges, Opportunities, and Emerging Technologies
This Masterclass provides an overview of the various types of EdTech solutions currently available in Africa, as well as the economic benefits of investing in EdTech. It explores the challenges and opportunities facing the African continent, and highlights emerging EdTech solutions that can address these challenges.
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LIGHTNING TALK: Data Drives Change
The Journey from Data Point to Pivotal Impact
Dive deep into the art of creating compelling narratives from raw data that incite real-world change.
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THINK TANK: The Best Ecosystem for Scaling Startups on the African Continent
Exploring the Thriving Startup Landscape, Resources, and Support Systems in Cape Town
Uncover the key factors that make Cape Town a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship. From its diverse pool of talent to its robust network of incubators, accelerators, and investors, explore the unparalleled resources and support systems available to startups in Cape Town. Discover how this thriving ecosystem fosters growth, nurtures innovation, and provides a launching pad for startups to reach new heights.
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THINK TANK: Fostering Township Economic Resurgence
Open Innovation Solutions
In the pursuit of economic growth and social progress, townships, informal settlements, and hostels (TISH) in South Africa and Brazil share striking similarities and unique challenges. This engaging session aims to explore innovative strategies and solutions that can empower these often-marginalized communities, unleashing their economic resurgence through open innovation. Both South Africa and Brazil grapple with issues of inequality, limited access to essential services, and economic disparities. These nations also boast vibrant, resilient communities within TISH areas that hold immense untapped potential. This session seeks to harness the power of open innovation and collaboration to address common challenges and leverage shared experiences between these two nations.
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FIRESIDE CHAT: Navigating the Investment Landscape
Effective Portfolio Construction for Today’s Investors
Explore the ever-evolving investment landscape with practical guidance on constructing portfolios that can thrive in today’s complex and dynamic market conditions. Insights on asset allocation strategies, risk management techniques, and the integration of alternative investments. Get equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and build robust portfolios tailored to your financial goals.
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MASTERCLASS: Talent Battles
How to attract and hire the best data science and AI talent for your business
The challenges and lessons learned in recruiting data scientists and engineers, especially as a start-up. How businesses can build their data science and AI talent pipelines without the pain. We will draw from insights from the largest community of data and AI practitioners in Africa.
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COMPETITION: BoostUp South Africa
South African startups go head-to-head on the grand stage, vying for their shot at making it to the finals
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UNCONFERENCE: Venture Building – Navigating the Path to Innovation and Success
Fostering Growth, Collaboration, and Resilience in the Startup Ecosystem
Amidst the global surge in venture building and the rise of DeepTech startups, Africa stands as a beacon of untapped potential. The Technology Innovation Agency is excited to present a compelling session that casts a spotlight on the underappreciated power of venture building in Africa. With a specific focus on nurturing DeepTech startups originating from the continent’s universities and research institutions, this session aims to illuminate the path to of multidisciplinary partnership in Africa’s start-up ecosystem.
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THINK TANK: The Business of Influencing
Navigating Influencer Marketing: Strategies and Legal Considerations for African Businesses
Von Seidels IP attorneys, Christine Strutt and André Maré, will be joined by Nadia Jaftha, Reece Meyer and Chae Francis from Ace Labs, a new age digital agency, to discuss influencer marketing and how it should be approached by an African business. Christine and André will discuss some of the legal implications around this drawing from their extensive knowledge in the brand protection space, while the team from Ace- Labs will share their insights gained from working with both the brand owner and the influencer.
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FIRESIDE CHAT: Accelerating Startup Growth
Leveraging Digital Technology for Scalable Systems
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COMPETITION: Inventors Garage
Early-stage trailblazers strut their stuff, showcasing their cool inventions and game-changing innovations!
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THINK TANK: Unleashing Female Powerhouses
The voices of women in tech entrepreneurs in Africa – challenges, opportunities and solutions
Step into the world of trailblazing female entrepreneurs in this captivating session as we uncover the challenges and triumphs of breaking through gender disparities in entrepreneurship opportunities. Join us for an empowering discussion that highlights the perspectives of inspiring female founders, shedding light on their remarkable journeys to equality in the business world. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and motivated to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial future!
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LIGHTNING TALK: Capital is Shy – You Shouldn’t Be
Navigating the Funding Maze to Power Your Entrepreneurial Dreams
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COMPETITION: SA-Swiss Blockchain Innovation Challenge
In a remarkable fusion, Swiss and South African impact-driven startups harnessing the power of blockchain technologies unite to deliver their compelling pitches.
Startups Include: Aidonic, VeriFi,Originall, eSusFarm, PhotoChromic, Funti3r, RightfulShare, Farmer Connect and Escropay
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MASTERCLASS: Carbon Credits – Transforming Investment Metrics
Exploring the Mechanics and Implications of a Sustainable Paradigm Shift
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of how carbon credits work, their role in incentivizing businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, and the mechanisms through which these credits can be bought, sold, and traded on the global market. The session will delve into the potential challenges and opportunities that come with integrating carbon credits into investment metrics, how investors and businesses are adapting to this novel approach, and the impact it has on evaluating the sustainability performance of companies and projects.
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THINK TANK: Advancing quality learning outcomes in Africa
Exploring the potential and challenges of generative AI in education in Africa
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education worldwide, and its impact on learning outcomes in Africa is a topic of great significance. This panel will delve into the opportunities and obstacles that Generative AI presents for education in the African context. Participants will engage in thoughtful discussions about the real challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the integration of AI in education, with a focus on Africa’s unique context.
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LIGHTNING TALK: What is broken with recycling and how to fix it
Design, Data, and Circular Economy Solutions
Recycling is a broken system, the issue of generated waste is a complex one that cannot be effectively addressed solely by improving recycling methods. When it comes to the recycling of various products and packages, their ultimate destiny is often predetermined long before they find their way into a recycling bin. The root of the issue lies with designers who frequently lack the necessary tools and data to make informed decisions that would ensure the future recyclability of these items. In this session, Mr. Lubele will discuss how we can fix the waste crisis the world faces touching on regulations, the true power of data and more importantly, core principles of the circular economy.
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MASTERCLASS: Seeds of Sustainability
Demystifying ESG for early-stage businesses and funds
This Masterclass gives a practical, down-to-earth introduction to what investors and other stakeholders mean when they ask about your environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. The presenters will explain the latest international and local developments, why they matter to ventures in Africa, and how ESG connects with business innovation. They will share a simple, tried-and-tested roadmap for you to build the foundations for ESG in a sensible way as you grow.
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KEYNOTE: Harnessing the Power of Technology Clusters
Building Innovation Capabilities for Global Competitiveness
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: Closing and Awards Gala of SAIS 2023
Honouring Innovation, Collaboration, and Achievements
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day 3
Founders Day 2023 Opening – Unleashing the Potential
Nurturing Ideas, Fostering Growth, and Inspiring Success
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KEYNOTE: F@#& up and find out
Unlocking Startup Success: Navigating the Maze of Marketing Channels for Explosive Growth
Finding traction is essential for any startup. Traction is the quantitative evidence of customer demand. It’s about growth. There are many different marketing channels available to startups that feed your growth, but no one-size-fits-all solution. The best channels for your startup will depend on your industry, product, and target audience. In Michelle’s discussion, she will run through 19 channels that startups can experiment with to find the channel that gives them the biggest growth at the lowest cost.
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MASTERCLASS: Unlocking Sales Potential
Strategies for Success
Our Masterclass will provide participants with actionable insights on how to develop a robust sales enablement strategy, leverage data analytics for informed decision-making, implement effective internal training and coaching programs(If they have a team) and utilize the right technology to boost sales productivity
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How Start-ups Play with Grown-ups
A Speed Dating Guide
Start-ups, investors, B2C customers, B2B corporates and government players all have different needs, are motivated by different things, have different cultures. What is easy for one may be difficult for the other. How should the give and take between these different players therefore look like?
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FIRESIDE CHAT: Unveiling VC Perspectives
Unraveling Startup Secrets, Portfolio Metrics, and Realistic Triumphs
A session to explore the minds of VCs as they reveal their investment strategies and discuss the types of startups they are currently supporting. Gain insights into the factors that drive investment decisions without specific case studies. Discover the art of setting realistic goals in the entrepreneurial world and be inspired by the top five success stories shared, complete with general metrics and key takeaways.
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MASTERCLASS: Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast
Defining and scaling your culture
Discover the importance of aligning your company’s culture, especially for startups in the build phase. Learn how behaviours serve as the framework to accentuate the habits essential for success. In this session, we’ll delve into:
▶ The role of a robust culture blueprint in fuelling startup growth.
▶ Effective strategies for scaling your desired culture.
▶ Real-world case studies showcasing culture transformation
Secure your spot to craft a culture that propels your startup’s journey to success. See you there!
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MASTERCLASS: Unleashing Resources for Success
Navigating a Landscape of Funding Instruments for Visionary Ventures
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