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<!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong><em>SA’s best up and coming fintech startups sweated it out at a virtual demo day recently, where they had just 5 minutes each to convince a panel of judges that they should be part of the second phase of the <a href="https://www.alphacode.club/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AlphaCode Incubate</a> programme.</em></strong> </p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>The ten startups, which have just completed a three-month programme, competed for one of four places in an extended 6-month programme valued at almost R1,5 million each. Their success, which was validated by their ability to get traction in a short time, unlocks further funding of R500 000 each and tailored business support.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Says Andile Maseko, head of ecosystem development at AlphaCode, “Despite a tumultuous year, a number of entrepreneurs saw how they could fill a gap in the market for financial services and related industries. Those selected in the top four earned the opportunity for further funding and mentorship. The first part of the intensive programme focused on entrepreneurship and refining business models. The second phase will focus on revenue generation.”</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>In addition, these startups will be able to apply for seed capital from AlphaCode’s fund that invests in early-stage startups.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --><h3><strong>The four promising businesses selected</strong></h3><!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><a href="http://www.agrikool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AgriCool</a>&nbsp;is an e-marketplace that links smallholding farmers and buyers to a fair and reliable market. It offers farmers access to finance, reliable information on improving their production, and it works with both formal and informal markets. Street vendors, retailers, the hospitality industry can get fresh produce delivered, saving them transportation costs.&nbsp;Founder: Zamokuhle Thwala.&nbsp;Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/gyo-IOdzJ-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://youtu.be/gyo-IOdzJ-0</a></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><a href="https://www.mybento.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bento</a>&nbsp;is an out-of-the-box employee perks and benefits platform. It gives employers a simple and cost-effective solution to offer employee benefits without the cost and administrative burden. Employees are empowered to self-manage their benefits and perks which gives them freedom of choice over their remuneration structure and take-home pay.&nbsp;Co-founders: Claudia Snyman, Dennis Williams, Bryn Divey and Ross Horak.&nbsp;Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/4FU_1buiYYQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://youtu.be/4FU_1buiYYQ</a></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><a href="https://www.alphacode.club/news/imfuyo-technologies-empowers-farmers-with-improved-oversight-of-their-operations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imfuyo Technologies</a>&nbsp;is developing a smart farming solution that will give livestock farmers better oversight of their operations at viable cost points. The initial offering will consist of a smart&nbsp;tracker that will collect critical data about cattle location and behaviour. The data is analysed to enable farmers to optimise farming activities. The platform will also serve as a de facto cattle deeds office, providing better traceability across the beef production value chain.&nbsp;Through Imfuyo Technologies, livestock farmers also have better access to financial markets.&nbsp;Founder: Allasandro Da Gama.&nbsp;Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/jSJzGvspE6g" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://youtu.be/jSJzGvspE6g</a></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><a href="http://matchkit.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MatchKit.co</a>&nbsp;helps athletes better commercialise their careers. The platform helps athletes make money, regardless of the status of&nbsp;sporting events. It integrates into&nbsp;existing social media channels and stats to&nbsp;showcase the value of an athlete’s digital audience&nbsp;to potential sponsors. It also offers a plug-and-play e-commerce store where fans can purchase everything from bespoke, branded merchandise to personalised video and audio shout-outs. MatchKit.co plans to add insurtech and transactional / virtual card capabilities to their offering.&nbsp;Founders: Mike Sharman, Shaka Sisulu, Bryan Habana and Ben Karpinski. Video:<a href="https://youtu.be/qKR1IM0QckQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://youtu.be/qKR1IM0QckQ</a></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Dominique Collett, head of AlphaCode and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rmih.co.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rand Merchant Investments Holdings</a>&nbsp;(RMI) executive commented,&nbsp;“We have been very impressed with the level of drive of these ten startups who applied what they have learned on the AlphaCode Incubate programme as they focused on increased traction. The standard of these ideas gets better every year. It’s been a very intense time for the participants and we look forward to growing the four businesses.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Almost 200 fintech businesses initially applied for AlphaCode’s Incubate programme which aims to grow innovative financial services entrepreneurs and find the next OUTsurance or Discovery.&nbsp; Only ten were then selected to complete in the initial three-month programme that provided funding, guidance from performance coaches and a panel of advisory experts, access to AlphaCode’s co-working space, and opportunities to apply for further early-stage investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>The panel of judges included Willem Roos, former CEO of Rain and former founder of OUTsurance; Raymond Ndlovu, CEO of Community Investment Ventures with a stake in Vumatel; Dominique Collett, a fintech specialist and senior investment executive at RMI; Danie Matthee, the CEO of OUTsurance; and Mcebo Ntombela, investment manager at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bafokengholdings.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Bafokeng Holdings</a>. “The panel had a good mix of entrepreneurs and corporate execs who understand the digital landscape,” explained Maseko.</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>One of the judges, Raymond Ndlovu, added, “The mix of businesses presenting this year was fascinating - a bit of everything from crypto to sports to stokvels and car repairs. The presentations were of a high standard taking into account the fact that we were all online. Look forward to the growth of all these promising businesses - whether they were selected for further incubation or not.”</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>The AlphaCode Incubate programme has disbursed R32 million in funding to 31 black-owned financial services businesses over the past five years and is viewed as South Africa’s most prestigious fintech startup initiative.&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>AlphaCode Incubate awards entrepreneurial packages to South Africa’s most promising financial services startups through AlphaCode with the support of Rand Merchant Investments and Royal Bafokeng Holdings.&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>By: Sanlam</strong></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --><h3>Sanlam’s brand reboot kicks off with a bigger, bolder purpose and team of inspirational Coaches to empower South Africans to live with financial confidence </h3><!-- /wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Following the recent announcement of <a href="https://www.sanlam.co.za/campaigns/livewithconfidence/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sanlam's new brand promise</a> to empower millions of Africans to <a href="https://www.sanlam.co.za/campaigns/livewithconfidence/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Live with Confidence</em></a>, the continent’s largest non-banking financial services group has begun to put it into practice with the launch of an inspirational team of Confidence Coaches. The first in a series of initiatives that aims to empower consumers to live with the kind of financial confidence that makes a real and lasting difference. </p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>“At Sanlam, we believe confidence is the game changer that can greatly increase your chance of success. It unlocks possibility, motivates you to reach your full potential, and allows you to live your best life. Learning to live with this kind of financial confidence, however, is a journey, and this is exactly what our brand promise is all about. No matter where your starting point is, we're committed to equipping you with the right tools, support, and guidance to help you get from where you are to where you want to be,” says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-nhlanhla-mbhele-cm-sa-5067b04/?originalSubdomain=za" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sydney Mbhele</a>, the Chief Executive of Brand at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanlam.co.za/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sanlam</a>.&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Enter the Confidence Coaches&nbsp;</strong></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>A diverse mix of five well-known personalities and influential voices who will share personal insights and offer practical tips on how to live with confidence, through a series of online conversations. &nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>“With the intention of connecting with South Africans in the most engaging way possible, we've partnered with personalities that we believe consumers will relate to and be inspired by – people who not only live confidently but do so no matter the challenges life throws their way,” Mbhele adds.&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>José&nbsp;</strong><strong>Mourinho&nbsp;</strong></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Leading the line-up is world-renowned coach,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SanlamConfidenceCoach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">José&nbsp;Mourinho</a>. Voted the world’s greatest football coach of the 21^st&nbsp;century,&nbsp;he&nbsp;has built a career on his exceptional ability to identify, nurture and develop confidence in others so that they can perform at their best. Through his journey,&nbsp;José&nbsp;has not only learnt how to handle success, but how to confidently bounce back from setbacks too. &nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>“We’re really excited to have&nbsp;José&nbsp;on-board as our lead coach and star of our new advert,” Mbhele continues, ”As an organisation operating in 45 countries in and outside the African continent, his broad appeal and personal connections with the continent makes him the perfect choice.”&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Fans will have the opportunity to connect with&nbsp;José for a one-on-one coaching session through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SanlamConfidenceCoach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Confidence Coach bot on Facebook Messenger</a>,&nbsp;to chat about goals, life plans and overcoming obstacles. He’ll make notes and share a unique takeaway and reminder with you afterwards: Your Confidence Rulebook.<br><br>&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>DJ Sbu</strong><br>From humble beginnings,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/djsbulive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DJ Sbu</a>&nbsp;built himself up through sheer hard work and commitment. Rising to the top of his game as a TV personality, producer, DJ, and businessman, today he is one of the most admired and most watched entrepreneurs in the country. &nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Followers will be able to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/djsbulive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">join in the conversation</a>&nbsp;across his social channels as he shares lessons on how living with confidence has been one of his biggest secrets to success. &nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Deborah Chambers</strong><br>Having only started her modeling career at the age of 53,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/deborah__darling/?igshid=1j72j6m1w8z95" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deborah</a>&nbsp;is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when you start truly living with confidence, believing in yourself and tapping into your potential. Guided by her mantra: You're never too old, and it's never too late; she'll be sharing more about her story across her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/deborah__darling/?igshid=1j72j6m1w8z95" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media channels</a>.&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Unathi Nkayi</strong>&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>As a multi-talented woman in SA’s entertainment industry and a household name,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/unathi.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unathi</a>&nbsp;is celebrated as one of the most influential and inspirational personalities in the country. Not without its fair share of ups and downs, Unathi’s road to success is testament to the power of hard work, focus and living with confidence.&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>Audiences are invited to join her community on social channels to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/unathi.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">engage in the conversation</a>.<br></p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p><strong>Leandie du Randt</strong><br>As an actress, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/leandiedurandt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leandie’s</a>&nbsp;passion and determination is infectious. She’s a living example of what can be achieved with the right attitude and an extra dose of resilience. To learn more, fans can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/leandiedurandt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">join in the conversation</a>&nbsp;across her social channels.<br><br>&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>The campaign message is further reinforced in Sanlam’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mc2IqXsNMU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new advert</a>&nbsp;(which has just gone live across digital channels and on TV) and through a series of Confidence Rules. Specifically developed to support all South Africans on their journey to financial confidence, these rules about life and finance offer an easy-to-follow, practical guide for consumers to apply in their daily lives from today.<br><br>“We wanted to keep it human, personal and authentic throughout,” says Mbhele, adding, “Rather than solely highlighting financial confidence, Sanlam has set out to inspire a better relationship with finances by first unpacking the significance of greater confidence in all aspects of life.”&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>To this end, Sanlam’s collection of Confidence Coaches aren’t financial experts, but rather real people with real stories and life lessons to share. Drawing from their own experiences, each will talk&nbsp;<em>life</em>&nbsp;in the context of circumstances and important decisions. With all of these conversations and platforms ultimately working towards the bigger goal and purpose of Sanlam’s campaign: to help more and more people live their best lives and feel equipped to navigate the challenges that may come their way through financial confidence.<br><br>“Everyone wants to live with financial confidence, knowing they've got the best chance at a good life. But for many people, our call to live with financial confidence might seem overwhelming or even impossible,” reflects Mbhele. “But we’ve set out to offer really practical steps to get there – simple, actionable steps to help anyone along their journey.”&nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph --><p>To find out more and connect with the Confidence Coaches, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sanlam.co.za/campaigns/livewithconfidence/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livewithconfidence.co.za</a>. &nbsp;</p><!-- /wp:paragraph -->