4 founders of African descent amplifying their message at Web Summit

Web Summit’s Amplify programme demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the voices of under-represented tech founders. Our Amplify participants include founders of African startups attending Web Summit 2022 to network and raise investment.

One of the major challenges facing the business world is increasing the range of opportunities, and number of investors, funding diverse business founders from under-represented communities. One such example is the African business ecosystem.

Dickson Nsofor, co-founder and CEO of Korapay, claims the African market has an economic potential of US$1 trillion. With so much opportunity and talent available on the continent, we’re focusing on four founders of African descent set to make an impact at our tech event.

Code Funhouse

Code Funhouse was started out to engage more students in coding creatively in HTML, Python and Javascript and more. The platform is also designed to support facilitators with a central resource for teaching the subject, saving them time and effort. The website combines an integrated development environment and intuitive learning platform to help motivate all users.

A UK-based startup, Code Funhouse is hoping to expand operations in the near future to support more young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Image: Code Funhouse

EkoLance

EkoLance helps professionals start working in blockchain. A simple aim, but one that allows a new generation of tech enthusiasts to access a career path still in its infancy. The platform offers users hands-on training from blockchain experts and gives them direct access to job opportunities in blockchain across the globe.

The startup was created by entrepreneurs Maria Eneva-Olms and Modupe Ativie in 2021 to address the low numbers of female developers proportionate to male developers worldwide.

Image: EkoLance

Invy

Invy is an app created by Black female founder Shana Vieira, based out of New York City, that helps people to organise and stay on top of their personal inventory from anywhere and optimise the value of every belonging. This helps to address the global issue of clothing wastage in distribution and after consumer purchase.

Users can organise by place or category, assess the value of belongings, connect to third-party vendors and link the app to resale platforms such as Facebook Marketplace.

Image: Invy

Patron

In a world increasingly lived out online, games represent a major opportunity to connect people and launch business ventures. Patron is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in companies and individual projects combining gaming, consumer trends, and Web3.

To date, backers from some of the world’s biggest tech companies, including Duolingo, Discord, Shopify and Twitch, and investors representing firms such as Firstmark, GGV and Initialised Capital, have recognised the massive potential of Patron.

Image: Patron

Want to meet more of the emerging companies and innovative founders coming to Web Summit 2022? Check out our startups programme today.

Main image: Web Summit