5 Startups To Watch Out For
Game Changers, Challengers and Life Savers
The year 2020 has been a tough year for business, the skills of entrepreneurship have been tested like never before, from financial setbacks, to pivots, to closures. Some startup businesses, however, emerged through the hardship like phoenix to fire.
Here are 5 startups to look out for:
1. Placer
Industry: Human Resources
Founder: Ayanda Lande
Job creation saw an unprecedented decline as a result of COVID-19. What the country needs now is a business that understands the socio-economic effects of the pandemic and one that offers a sound solution. PlacerApp is an HR application that bridges the gap between employers and candidates. Everyone wins with Placer; the candidate is assisted with soft skills training and is given a platform that connects them to opportunities that are available in the job market. In turn, the employer receives a ready-to-go employee. Win-win.
2. Cashful
Industry: Finance
Founder: Mahlomola Mokoteli
Is money tight these days? Cashful understands. Launching soon, Cashful offers cash advances through your smart phone. A real life saver! Through the mobile application, you have an opportunity to build a financial identity and receive frictionless access to credit. This low cost digital market place is just what you need when there is a lot of month left at the end of your money.
3. Pink Torque
Industry: Automotive
Founder: Siyanda Mpambani
Real talk, this is genius. Imagine a digital platform where you can book an automotive technician for service or repairs to your car without having to go to the dealership. Exclusively designed for female car owners, Pink Torque uses a unique booking tool which is a first in South Africa, called Trechi (pronounced trek-key) to ease and secure the process for you. Founded by a female, this startup is rattling feathers in the male-dominated industry.
4. StoresSA
Industry: eCommerce
Founder: Siyanda Mqokozo
Go big or go home? Or just go big AT home! Africa is already the second largest continent by a tiny margin so why not have the largest mall? Founder and visionary, Siyanda Mqokozo, is doing it big with his idea to partner with all African established brands and creating the biggest online mall. StoresSA is a lucrative opportunity for South African/African designers. This venture helps buyers find the designers they need, helps designers receive all the marketing and administrative assistance they need to sell online and to top it off, setting up your store with StoresSA is as easy as creating a Facebook account!
5. Spice Kit
Industry: Culinary
Founder: Vinmala Naik
Here is a real save. Make authentic Indian dishes while saving on time and money. Spice Kit offers traditional spices for a range of occasions; whether you are making dinner, having a braai or concocting the best gin fusion and cocktail experiments. The hassle-free online ordering makes this startup all the more interesting and necessary!