Seedstars and Vaud bring startups to Emerging Markets

The program is accessible by application-only and allows early-stage startups based in Vaud and with a focus on new technologies as well as a strong interest in reaching out to these markets, to expand, grow and discover emerging economies. A total of 10 selected startups will be invited on a fully-sponsored trip to attend one of the four Regional Seedstars Summits of their choice. This year’s destinations are Phnom Penh, Cambodia (November 18-22, 2019), Bogota, Colombia (November 25-29, 2019), Johannesburg, South Africa (November 25-29, 2019), and Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan (December 2-6, 2019) as the fourth and latest addition to the program. 

Selected startups will then be able to engage in various activities such as a bootcamp, a pitching competition, an investor forum, the entire Summit and a day to explore the local startup ecosystem. In addition to the previous editions, startups will be offered the possibility to pitch on the Regional Summit’s main stage in front of international investors, press and fellow entrepreneurs. Throughout those 4 days, selected startups will be in contact with the best entrepreneurs from each region. For Raphäel Conz, Economic Promotion Manager (SPEI) , “ supporting Seedstars is a great way to share experiences with some of the brightest entrepreneurs from emerging markets. Taking our startups abroad to fast growing scenes is a relevant way to inspire them by learning from people who are successfully building ideas to tackle real life problems, and to expand their businesses to the most promising markets in the world, in terms of consumption and growth.” 

Applications are now open online here

• September 15: Deadline for applications
• September 18: Preselection
• September 26: Finalists will pitch in Lausanne in front of a jury (with members of SPEI, Innovaud, CVCI, Genilem and Seedstars)
• September 30: Winners announcement

An appreciated 2nd edition

For the second edition in 2018, the SPEI and Seedstars had already joined forces and invited 8 startups based in Vaud as part of an immersive experience in emerging markets. The startups went to 3 Seedstars Regional Summits: in Bangkok, Thailand (Asia), in Mexico City, Mexico (LATAM) and in Dar Es Salam, Tanzania (Africa). According to Sergey Tatarchenko from Noisypeak, who participated in the Africa Seedstars Summit : “It was a great event with great people brought together by Seedstars. We were able to share great inspirational ideas. The best tech event I’ve been to in my life!”. A good impression also shared by Stéphane Zrehen, CEO AGAM SECURITY who took part in Asia Seedstars Summit 2018, Bangkok, Thailand: “The program was very well organized. It was also an opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs facing different challenges and opportunities than us.”

“We are thrilled to partner yet again with SPEI, Innovaud, CVCI, and GENILEM to foster innovation and change on a global scale. “Swiss made” is an affirmation that holds a lot of value in many of these markets and Swiss companies should leverage it more. Seedstars is the platform to connect these businesses with over 80+ markets and joining forces with SPEI is another opportunity to merge the best of both worlds.” explains Alisée de Tonnac, CEO of Seedstars.