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Harare is becoming one of the best places to build a startup, but most of the early-stage entrepreneurs we speak to aren't aware of the local tech resources that are available to help them.

With applications for the Zimbabwe Founder Institute now open, we're excited to release the Zimbabwe Startup Resource Guide, which is currently in Draft v1 below! It was developed by the Zimbabwe Founder Institute and local leaders: Calvin Rupango (Investment Associate , Ajim Capital), Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. (Co-founder, techbuild.africa), Geraldine Mupandanyama (Managing Partner, Darena Ventures), TanatswaMichael Mukwesha (Founder & CEO, TABEM MEDIA)

This is just a draft, and while we spent many hours on this research, more input is needed. Please leave your comments on this collaborative Google document to help us complete the list. There are definitely omissions on this current version. 

Are you looking to build a startup in ZimbabweThen apply to the Zimbabwe Founder Institute today!

Startup Stages


There is no one right way to build a technology company, but for the sake of simplicity we have outlined a basic, common, sequential framework.

1. Idea Stage

This is where new entrepreneurs get inspired, learn best practices, develop skills, validate ideas, and begin to build their team and product.

A. Inspire

  • Harare Startup Media: Centralized local information, listings, and news. (i.e. startup blogs/ publications/ lists/ FB groups/ newsletters)

    1. ITWeb Africa
    2. Techzim

B. Educate

C. Validate

2. Launch Stage

In this stage, entrepreneurs establish and formalize the company, develop the product, get feedback from customers, and prepare for the next step.

A. Start

B. Develop

C. Launch

3. Growth Stage

Here, a startup proves their utility, receives recognition, and scales up. This usually requires funding, angels, VCs, and ways to connect them to startups.

A. Recognition

B. Funding

C. Growth

4. Harare Startup Success Stories

Successful homegrown companies that have raised significant institutional funding, employ a large workforce, or have achieved liquidity.

  1. Esaja
  2. FarmHut
  3. FlexID
  4. GetCash
  5. Lake Harvest
  6. Payitup
  7. Shumba Money
  8. Somesha
  9. Zonful Energy

Supporters


To facilitate the steps, every ecosystem needs strong supporters.

1. Harare Startup Leaders

Successful local founders who lead the ecosystem & frequently mentor newbies.

  1. Calvin Rupango
  2. Geraldine Mupandanyama
  3. John-Paul Matenga
  4. Kudzanai Vere
  5. Pedzisai Chimbwanda
  6. Ryan Katayi
  7. Tanatswa Michael Mukwesha

2. Harare Government Startup Resources

Public organizations that facilitate local economic development

  1. Ministry of Industry and Commerce
  2. Zimbabwe Investment & Development Agency
  3. Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce

3. Talent

Major local business or tech universities and employers that attract and retain local talent.

 

*  *  *

Learn more about the Startup Ecosystem Canvas here, and leave us your thoughts on the Harare Canvas on this collaborative Google document (This is just a draft, and more input is needed!)

Are you looking to build a startup in ZimbabweThen apply to the Zimbabwe Founder Institute today

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