Application Deadline: November 20th 2019
‘Daikin -Samurai Incubate Africa Ideathon’ is an initiative by the leading multinational AirConditioning brand DAIKIN and African early stage VC – Samurai Incubate. The Ideathon aims to find the 10 most innovative startups across Africa who are keen to partner and expand their business with Japanese partners. The startup holds a chance to get in a partnership with Daikin and an exciting chance to get funded by Samurai Incubate Africa.
In Africa, Daikin is interested in trying a completely
new and innovative method to sell their products (such as
pay-as-you-go/subscription payment model, securitization of the items
and etc.) to allow ACs to be beneficial and installable for as many
households/commercial properties/buildings as possible.
In fact, the quality of Daikin’s products is absolutely appraised
worldwide without a question, but in addition, the company has strong
know-hows for capacity building of local engineers for
installment/repair/maintenance of ACs, and therefore strongly wishes to
contribute to job creation and empowerment of African people as well.
Samurai Incubate Africa Inc., a Japanese venture capital
firm focusing on investment into African startups, will co-organize
ideathon with Daikin to find a great company to be invested in.
Are you operating in Africa, looking to find a Japanese partner to scale your business? This is an exclusive opportunity to introduce your company to a Japanese investor and the world’s largest AC company from Japan.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Your company is for-profit and registered as an independent legal entity;You have a product or service available on the market and generate revenue in the following business domains; Fintech (Daikin has a special interest in collaborating with startups having mobile money/banking/payment/lending solutions) E-Commerce Property Tech / Real Estate Tech Clean Energy Air Tech Your product or service is designed for scale;You have a very strong management team of at least 2 people;Your company is based in or planning to expand into one or more
countries on the African continent where there is a demand for air
conditioners;You are seeking an opportunity to be a potential African partner for
scaling your business as well as Daikin’s business penetration in
Africa by collaboration and partnership;Benefits:
All-expenses-paid trip (air ticket, accommodation and visa for up to two members of your team) to Nairobi on Dec 9-12, 2019Winner at the pitch event will have right to receive investment of $100,000-150,000 from Samurai Incubate Africa Inc.A few participants proposing great ideas of Daikin’s potential sales expansion during the ideathon will be invited to a committee in early 2020 in order to discuss partnership between the parties further in detail. Once the partnership is agreed and approved, you can commence Proof-of-Concept (POC) of such idea with budget fully covered by Daikin.What to Expect
If you are selected as a participant startup, you are expected to:
Prepare to explain why you could be a great African partner for
Daikin and how your product / service can support Daikin’s business
expansionBe prepared to travel to Nairobi in the period of December 9-12, 2019 to attend the event.If you are required a visa to travel to Kenya, take necessary
procedures and acquire a visa before flying to Kenya. The visa fee will
be reimbursed from us. TIMELINE
Oct20 – Nov20Application periodOct25 – Nov25Selection process / reviews / interviewsNov10 – Nov 30Participants announced
-Flamework of the discussion to be used during the ideathon will be
provided from Samurai Incubate Africa Inc after the notification to the
participants.Dec 10-11Ideathon with Daikin and Samurai Incubate Africa to discuss what’s the best collaboration between you and Daikin in order to
-scale your business growth
-support Daikin’s business growth in AfricaPitch Event in the evening of December 11 and a winner will receive investment from Samurai Incubate Africa For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Daikin -Samurai Incubate Africa Ideathon 2019