At the beginning of 2009, Vinny Lingham put forth the idea of a Silicon Cape – an effort to recreate the success of Silicon Valley by removing the barriers major barriers to South African technology companies:
Silicon Cape Trends Map- Punishment for failure
- Failure to take risks
- Unavailability of capital
- Too many consultants
- Lack of global experience
- No liquidity events
- Too much focus on advertising
From that initial recognition, a movement has started to push for recognition of these barriers and ways to overcome them. This movement culminated in a Silicon Cape Social Network that launched on October 8, with much Twittering. But does a social network make a Silicon Valley?
I think we all know the answer to that – it doesn’t. But its a start. You have to recognize there is a problem before you can look for a solution. And you need a shared vision and resources to build the solution to so many problems.
These problems will not be solved overnight. So a social network is a good start. Its definitely a good way to overcome #1,2, & 5 in the list above. By sharing ideas, connections, and reinforcing the communal challenges, I do hope that the Silicon Cape social network inspires more African entrepreneurship.
I just wish there were more than these 5 ways to support it.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.