Samsung Electronics Africa has entered into a partnership with company 88mph to provide three start-up web or mobile businesses with the opportunity to win a placement on the Samsung Built For Africa app store
The partnership will enable the successful companies’ apps to be pre-loaded on millions of smartphones across Africa, with Samsung also providing marketing expertise to each start-up.
Kresten Buch, founder and managing director of 88mph, which assists and invests in start-up web and mobile companies, said, “88mph is extremely excited about partnering with a company like Samsung, and being a filter for sourcing great products to their platform. As an early-stage investor, it’s important to create an infrastructure around the start-ups that can increase their chances of making it big. Teaming up with great companies is part of our goal to add substantial value to start-ups beyond investment.”
According to 88mph, the partnership also entails potential co-branding pushes, such as Samsung’s recent deals with Universal Music, DSTV, Pana TV and eKitabu, all aimed at growing and driving locally relevant content and services for Africa.
Thabiet Allie, head of content and services for Samsung Electronics Africa commented, “We are focused on delivering high quality, environment-specific mobile products to our consumers across Africa, backed by locally developed and relevant content. We are thrilled that we can tap into 88mph’s pool of talented entrepreneurs, and give them access to our large user base, while satisfying our consumer needs here in Africa, promote sustainable business, and help drive growth on the continent.”
Product packages that consider the physical and infrastructural demands of Africa will receive special focus alongside sectors such as education, entertainment and health, 88mph said.
Sylvia Brune, head of partnerships at 88mph added, “With this partnership, we will be able to attract start-ups with more mature products or international start-ups looking to target emerging markets. It’s an extremely rare opportunity to be able to reach millions of your target users in such a short period of time.”
To be eligible for the opportunity, start-ups should apply before August 1 2013 via www.88mph.ac.
