UberPITCH powered by Mettā in conjunction with Nairobi Innovation Week are giving entrepreneurs a chance of a lifetime. That’s right – anyone with a good idea can submit an application and request a ride to pitch to an investor. On Monday March 6, startup heroes, CEOs and investors will listen to ideas, all in the back of an Uber. The UberPITCH theme ‘Innovation to solve pressing local and global challenges’ will see entrepreneurs receive the invaluable opportunity to pitch innovative business ideas to investors and the fun part is – the Uber rides will be free!
To get involved, applicants were required to submit video applications to Uber on or before March 1st. Following a shortlisting process, accepted applicants will receive an exclusive promo code which they will input into their Uber account. On Monday March 6 between 10am and 3pm, selected participants will select the UberPITCH option in their Uber apps to get the chance to present their ideas to an investor in a 15-minute Uber ride. Finalists with the top pitches will be invited for a special event held at the Mettā on March 9th where they will interact with some of Kenya’s leading investors and business leaders.
Uber General Manager for East Africa, Loic Amado said, “At Uber, we stand for more than getting people from point A to B. We are passionate about innovation and we are excited about giving young entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their innovative ideas and be heard – UberPITCH is our way of making this happen.”
Amado who was also excited about this year’s UberPITCH theme ‘Innovation to solve pressing local and global challenges’ which is in line with the company’s mission. Uber’s technology has enabled the company to improve urban mobility and the quality of life for residents in Nairobi. Uber has provided people with an attractive alternative to driving. Uber has also extended the reach of public transportation by providing reliable services for areas that are traditionally underserved. Since its launch in January 2015, Uber has been able to provide safe, convenient and reliable rides to residents in Nairobi who can now use Uber to get to neighbourhoods such as Ongata Rongai, Thika and Athi River.
UberPITCH will be running in conjunction with Nairobi Innovation Week (March 6 – 10th), an event organized by the University of Nairobi and brings together partners from government, private sector, development partners and research centres with an aim of providing an avenue for showcasing and encouraging innovation in Kenya.
“Partnering with Nairobi Innovation Week to make this happen has been an exciting journey – as a technology company, innovation is at the heart of what we do. We will continue to source for opportunities to collaborate with likeminded partners to encourage innovation in the country and provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to accelerate the growth of their ventures,” concluded Amado.