Great ideas, we think, must not only sound appealing, but must also pack a functional punch. Thato Rammoko, the Co-founder of Lunchbox understands this better than most of us. Which is why we were so pleased to hear him share on the reeling updates and exciting improvements at Lunchbox.
To revisit the roots of Lunchbox, Thato said he was inspired to start Lunchbox because of a personal problem he encountered. “While I was working from the Vodacom Innovation Park, I experienced a daily dilemma of compromising my diet, location or budget just to get a decent lunch and that frustrated me.” Thato said.
He then asked his fellow colleagues if they felt the same way, which they did and that’s how the idea for Lunchbox bloomed. “I started working on the prototype. I had an opportunity to pitch the idea at the Entrepreneurship Expo held at Maseru Mall in 2016.” He continued. The audience loved the idea and that pushed him to go on with the development of Lunchbox.
“It’s organic; Lunchbox has a natural attraction, which is proof that there is a market and demand for a decent, affordable lunch delivered to Employees.” Thato said on his traction to date.
“It is also getting international recognition which is amazing.” He enthusiastically added. Lunchbox is a 2017 Tony Elumelu startup, Seedstar Startup and was born in the Vodacom Innovation Park.
A few weeks back, Thato was in Botswana to pitch at Seedstars Gaborone. He shared a bit with us about his involvement. “The first thing I noticed is the Botswana Innovation Hub, which is a government initiative. Botswana is Intentional about supporting its own,” he emphasized.
He says he was pitching mostly against University Students, which he thought to be really impressive to have students actively participate in the startup economy like that. The Pitch Competition was sponsored by local corporates, banks, and tertiary institutions.
“I learned that there is a startup ecosystem in Botswana, and that was very exciting to witness and be a part of. Plus they made me feel at home and I may have found a partner in Gaborone.”
Seedstars World promotes, connects and invests up to $1 Million in emerging market startups through its exclusive startup competition in over 60+ countries.
What’s even more exciting is that Lunchbox were selected as finalists and the only startup from Lesotho to participate at the startup fair organized at the European African Business forum the 27 November 2017 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
They will have the opportunity to showcase their services and technology to investors and decision makers during a Startup Fair and attend a number of side events dedicated to entrepreneurship, digital economy, energy and agriculture.
The 6th EU‐Africa Business Forum (EABF) is aimed at increasing investments with development impact in Africa.
With its overarching theme being “investing in job creation for youth”, the Business Forum will look at the challenges and opportunities for investment in Africa along four strategic priorities of the EU-Africa cooperation, such as renewable energy, agribusiness, infrastructure and the digital economy, and will aim to provide solutions, particularly for the growing number of young and female entrepreneurs.
Female and youth entrepreneurship will be considered a cross-cutting theme in all discussions in the Forum and will also be subject to a specific thematic session with a strong focus on ensuring decent work and quality jobs for young people and women.