Swiss State Secretariat helps blockchain incubator company set up a base in South Africa – crowdfunding Bitcoin News
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is reportedly helping Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CVVC), a blockchain business incubator, to set up an office in South Africa. According to SECO, this step fits in with Swiss policy of supporting private companies that want to help African blockchain start-ups.
Funding for successful applicants
According to a report by Swissinfo, CVVC will fund the best blockchain startups “in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Congo and other countries”. The report adds that the first five successful applicants will each receive USD 125,000 (CHF 114,000) from the incubator, while SECO will contribute over USD 270,000 in the first year of the project.
The report also quotes a representative from SECO who explains some of the objectives of this funding initiative. The SECO representative is quoted as saying:
This start-up funding is intended to show that it is worth investing in African start-ups that develop blockchain-based solutions for the challenges on the African continent. This positive demonstration could mobilize further private capital and create jobs.
Projects have to demonstrate benefits
However, according to Gideon Greaves, managing director of the CVVC South Africa Hub, the African blockchain startups applying for funding must show that their projects can solve the specific challenges of their region. For example, Greaves points to problems immigrants face sending money home as a challenge that blockchain can solve.
Meanwhile, the Swissinfo report states that in addition to the incubation project, the Swiss embassy and the University of Zurich will “establish a blockchain chair at the University of Johannesburg, which will be co-financed by both Switzerland and South Africa”.
What do you think of Swiss policy on financing African blockchain start-ups? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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