Event report
Event Report | Startup za Viwango | Pitching Contest & Networking Cocktail
The FTCC and YAS Tanzania hosted the Startup za Viwango Pitching Contest and Networking Cocktail marking the first major milestone of the programme.
On 21 May, the FTCC and YAS Tanzania hosted the Startup za Viwango Pitching Contest and Networking Cocktail at the Onomo Hotel in Dar es Salaam, marking the first major milestone of the programme.
Startup za Viwango is a six-month acceleration programme launched by the FTCC with YAS Tanzania as exclusive sponsor, in partnership with ANZA Entrepreneurs and Ennovate Ventures. Built around three flagship events and five monthly masterclasses, the programme supports early-stage Tanzanian startups through mentorship, pitch training, business model development, and investor exposure.
After an intensive bootcamp the day before, covering investor expectations, pitch coaching, business model deep dives, and hands-on mentorship sessions, our startups took the stage to deliver a 3-minute pitch in front of a five-member jury, followed by a live Q&A. The energy in the room was real: bold ideas, sharp questions, and founders who showed they are ready to go to the next level.
Congratulations to Lishe 360, who claimed the top spot of the pitching contest.
We were honoured to welcome Jean Traband, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France in Tanzania, who joined our jury panel for the occasion. A warm thank you to him and to our four other jury members: Anna Shuma from YAS Tanzania, Golder K. from PwC Tanzania, Joshua Elias, CEO of ANZA Entrepreneurs, and Hannah De Somviele, for their time and expertise.
The evening continued with a networking cocktail that brought founders, investors, corporate leaders, and members of the business community together in one room, creating the kind of connections that turn ideas into ventures.
The participating startups:
- Chaja Africa
- Lishe 360
- LIMA Africa
- Ghala
- Mrembo Naturals
- Kapok Collective
- Rada 360
The FTCC warmly thanks YAS Tanzania for their sponsorship and commitment, and ANZA Entrepreneurs and Ennovate Ventures for their partnership in building this programme from the ground up.
This was Event 1. Next stop: the Growth Clinic & Founder Forum on 20 August — bringing together startup CEOs, expert mentors, and peer learning sessions to help our startups scale. Stay tuned.
