I am keen to know to what extent innovators will leverage OSS as they make their pitches. I hope we will not see technology for technology's sake kind of innovations. We've seen some very sexy ideas develop over the years but they do not really solve real problems or are very hard to monetise. It would also be nice if we could hear of experiences of local developers/innovators in terms of getting funding for their start ups, how their ideas get an audience (and what reactions they get) etc. I gather there is a degree of wariness when it comes to showcasing ideas and the fear that players with big pockets will take it and run with it (because they can afford to) or shoot it down because it could disrupt existing business models (e.g. cross network shared mobile money platforms...). We've also heard that techies are just that - and have bright ideas but are not good sales people or any good in biz devt. To what extent does DEMO address this issue? On 17 September 2012 00:47, Grace Githaiga <ggithaiga@hotmail.com> wrote:
IN SUMMARY
Demo Africa director Harry Hare said the event, the first to be held in Africa, presents a good chance for local innovators to move their businesses to the next level. Over the last five years, innovators at DEMO US have received about Sh297 billion in business capital. Microsoft, which is sponsoring the event together with Nokia and other multinationals, said that the partnership is one of the best activities they have done because it will help accelerate success of entrepreneurs and start-ups in Africa. http://www.nation.co.ke/business/news/Top+brains+to+entice+global+investors/...
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