On Thursday, 23rd November 2017, Cytonn Foundation, the Corporate Social Investment arm of Cytonn Investments held its 2nd Annual Cytonn eHub Investors Forum at the Sarova Panafric.
The event saw 10 entrepreneurs with businesses ranging from Food and Beverages, Education, IT, Transport and logistics and Hospitality pitch their businesses to a panel of 6 investors, who then graded the businesses based on (i) the business viability, (ii) track record of the business profit margins backed by data, (iii) knowledge of the operational industry, and (iv) the presentation skills. The investors panel included Bruce Nseleko Lule, Investment Principal at Chandaria Capital, Rose Njoki, Head of Marketing and Investor Relations at Entrepreneurs Spot, Elizabeth N. Nkukuu, CFA, Cytonn’s Chief Investments Office, Kelvin Macharia, Founder & CEO Sunrise Tracking, Tesh Mbaabu Co-founder & CEO Mesozi Inc, and James Karundu, Founder & CEO of Passion Biz Academy.
Three entrepreneurs secured capital injection for their businesses during the forum. The top pitch by Sandra Nduati of Little Einstein’s East Africa, an Edutainment institution that teaches STEM subjects to children from 18 months to 12 years, secured Kshs. 100,000. Shane Elwak of Octa Transporters, a service business in the transport industry operating scheduled transport within Kenya secured the second spot, winning Kshs. 50,000, while the third spot went to John Maina, Soft IQ Technologies Ltd, who secured Kshs. 25, 000.
“Entrepreneurship is the most important career as it focuses on solving existing problems,” noted Edwin Dande, CEO and Managing Partner, Cytonn Investments. He also congratulated the eHub graduates for enduring the entrepreneurship journey as it is not an easy one.
Shane Elwak, Director Octa Transporters, a service business in the transport industry operating scheduled transport within Kenya, who was a participant in the graduating eHub Season 2 class and first runners up in the pitching, spoke shortly after receiving his award, and noted that “As entrepreneurs, we must believe in our dream as industry game changers.” He went on to say that he was optimistic that his business would find an investor. He urged all participants to believe in themselves as they go through the journey of entrepreneurship.
Sandra Nduati, the Founder of Little Einstein’s EA, an Edutainment Institution that teaches STEM subjects noted that “The need to teach STEM subjects in an exciting way led to establishing our business.” She further stated that, “Unlike our times where Sciences were thrown at us, we endure to make classes a fun and entertaining experience for children.” As her parting shot, she dedicated the win to Little Einstein’s East Africa, noting that, ‘’this win is not just for us but for every child who comes to our institution.”
Kevin Macharia, Founder and CEO, Sunrise Tracking, who was a panelist at the forum reminded the entrepreneurs of the need to keep improving in your service delivery.” As entrepreneurs, we should always aim higher by creating a ripple effect of what we have learnt today for the young entrepreneurs.”
The event closed with a vote of thanks from Teresiah King’ara, PR and Communications Assistant at Cytonn Investments, who thanked the organizers, panelists, participants and the entire Cytonn staff for making time to the event.
Cytonn Foundation is focused on improving lives by providing training and mentorship, entrepreneurial knowledge and financial skills to individuals and upcoming businesses.
