Organized by 500 Startups, Geeks on a Plane (#GOAP) is a tour for startups, investors, and executives to learn about high-growth technology markets worldwide. They to exciting international startup scenes with the sole mission of uniting geeks/techies and exploring cross-border opportunities. The result: a lifelong bond with fellow travelers, a wealth of new friends and business contacts in exploding technology markets, and a stronger appreciation for the cultural and economic ties that bind us globally.
Boasting an itinerary of 16 Trips, 33 COuntries and 46 Cities #GOAP has a network of over 15,000 start-ups and Alumni such as Federico Holgador from MailChimp, lead writer at TechCrunch Drew Olanoff. For the first time this year includes an African Tour which begins this week from March 20-April 2, 2017 which mostly features hubs in South Africa and Nigeria. Zimbabwe might have missed the train or rather plane this time but there’s still hope for next year, here’s how you can offer your hub as the next big thing on the #GOAP to-do list. Meanwhile check out the envy inspiring Africa Tour itinerary below :
March 20 — 23: LAGOS, NIGERIA
- Explore the Yaba District Ecosystem, Nigeria’s Silicon Valley. Visit key hubs and startups like CcHUB and Andela.
- Hang out with leading Nigerian actors and directors focused on the growing film industry, digital distribution, monetization and content creation at a Nollywood media & tech party night.
- Network with top-tier VCs and angel investors, while learning about the Nigerian investment ecosystem at a VIP investment dinner, hosted by Venture Garden Group
- Enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Imaginarium and a night with Afrobeat music & dance at New Afrika Shrine, an open-air entertainment center.
March 23 — 25: ACCRA, GHANA
- Join the conversation at Enterprise Africa Summit – 300 delegates, 23 countries, 1 city.
- Explore one of Accra’s most vibrant markets and shop for handcrafted beads, Kente clothing, and herbs.
- Network with leading Ghana investors at a curated dinner.
- Meet FinTech CEOs, mobile network operators, banks and investors at an intimate unconference
March 25 — 28: OVERNIGHT SAFARI, SOUTH AFRICA
- Take in the South African wilderness with an overnight safari – relax in camp lodges, see the “Big Five” (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos), and bond further with geeks over actual fireside chats.
March 28 — 30: JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
- Get schooled on Johannesburg’s early stage business at Braamonfontein Cluster, an innovative technology hub bordered by two of the country’s oldest universities.
- Experience a traditional African braai (cookout) courtesy of our host Sw7, the largest mentor-led tech innovation accelerator in Africa.
- Tour Soweto, the most populous black urban residential area in the country – a must-see destination thanks to its bustling economy and rich history.
- Accelerate your business at a panel event hosted by SiMODiSA bringing together the world’s best accelerators for in-depth conversation.
- Make valuable connections in Johannesburg’s FinTech, InsurTech, and banking communities – we’ll set up curated 1:1 meetings for those who specialize in each area.
March 30 — APRIL 2: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
- Learn more about Cape Town’s thriving startup scene at an entrepreneur event hosted by Silicon Cape at Workshop 17.
- Ride the wine farm tram and taste local wine in Stellenbosch. End the evening with a high-level investor dinner at a private wine farm.
- See the sites of Cape Town – hike Table Mountain, tour Cape Point, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island, or dive with sharks.
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