This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
On May 18, 2020, Gemini Enterprises Africa, a subsidiary of the Orascom Group, announced the launch of the “Gemini Uplift Initiative” to support startup founders in Africa.
The initiative aims to address the pressing operational issues and challenges faced by startups, while also providing opportunities for business growth and sustainability.
Engineer Naguib Sawiris, Executive Chairman of Orascom Investment Holding, stated: “I am very excited about kicking off the Gemini Uplift Initiative. We believe in the importance of our responsibility to act now. Together with our partners, we are sure that we can uplift our entrepreneurs and startups to stand strong and sustain their businesses during these hard times. We will not let the Coronavirus beat us.”
The Gemini Uplift Initiative will be held online throughout and after the Holy month of Ramadan in coordination with 45+ local, regional, and international partners through three tracks: Money, Matchmaking, and Mentorship.
The Money track provides co-investment opportunities and connections to future potential investors for pre-series A applicants, as well as acceleration programs with options to receive equity-free funding.
Partners for the Money track include World Food Programme (WFP), MINT by EGbank, Nahdet El Mahrousa, Alex Angels, Catalyst Partners, MAIN, MED Angels, Foundation Ventures, and Egypt Ventures.
The Matchmaking track provides two-way business matchmaking opportunities, allowing entrepreneurs with running operations to connect with real businesses' needs through the right market exposure, acquire business leads, and access customers' data.
Partners for the Matchmaking track include Cairo ICT, UNTIL, UNDP, Orascom Investment, RiseUp, Techne Summit Dubrovnik, WPDI, Kamelizer, Founders Institute Cairo, Consulting Pad, Hub Africa, and Gemini Holding.
The Mentorship track offers one-on-one financial, legal, HR, and media mentorship to all applicants.
Partners for the Mentorship track include The American University in Cairo (AUC), Beltone, KPMG Hazem Hassan, MIT EF Pan Arab, Injaz Egypt, Falak, Flat6Labs, Fekretak Sherketak, Cairo Angels, SeedStars, Kidzania, HIM Angels, El-Shawarby Firm, Pyramids 138, CultArk, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Alpha Group, and Marshall Goldsmith.
