The Launch of Our Monthly Demo Day Series

We’re kicking off a new era in Johannesburg with the first-ever Tech Demo Day & Investor Mixer, happening on Friday, 19 September 2025. From this month forward, Demo Days will take place on the last Friday of every month, giving founders the stage to pitch, investors the chance to discover Africa’s next unicorn, and our community an unmissable gathering.

This inaugural event will feature:

• All-Star Pitch Battle – Johannesburg’s top startups compete for the title of Startup of the Year and a shot at global recognition.
• Fireside Chat with Industry Leaders – Hear insights from investors, venture capitalists, and seasoned founders shaping the future of innovation in Africa.
• Exclusive Investor Mixer – A curated audience of investors, venture capital firms, and business leaders for high-value networking.

What’s in it for Startups?

Startups that pitch gain access to unparalleled opportunities, including:

• Title of “Startup of the Year” – Johannesburg Chapter
• Automatic qualification for the Global Startup Grind Pitch Battle (Feb 2026) in Silicon Valley
• Pitch featured for 12 months on our YouTube channel and added to the All-Star Pitch Battle playlist (83k+ subscribers)
• One-year spot in the Akha Venture Studio (valued at R350,000), including:
• Fully equipped office space for 12 months
• Admission to our 12-month Venture Building Programme
• Mentorship from seasoned founders, investors, and industry experts
• Access to investor networks and funding opportunities
• Invitations to exclusive events, workshops, and growth resources
• Business support services (legal, financial, marketing, operational)
• Cloud Plexo Startup Benefits (valued at $5,000+)
• Up to $5,000 in AWS credits to power your infrastructure
• Free Proof of Concepts (PoCs) for AI, IoT, and emerging tech
• Learning & Development: training, certifications, and mentorship
• Technical & Business Advisory from seasoned architects and mentors
• Subsidised professional services fees (up to 100% off) for cloud migration and management