Wimbart launches Office Hours Four for African startups, lists eligibility criteria

BY ROSEMARY IWUALA

Wimbart, a tech-focused and independent public relations agency that specialises in Africa and emerging markets, has launched the fourth edition of its Wimbart Office Hours.

The agency has opened applications for startups wishing to be part of the fourth cohort. Startups applying for the programme must be less than two years old, focus on serving the African community (domestic and/or diaspora), have turnover less than $500,000, have a minimum viable product [MVP], ideally have a functioning website, and have secured investment no later than a seed-level stage, Wimbart said.

Wimbart Office Hours is a free PR mentorship and business support programme designed to equip early-stage African startups with media know-how and business insights. To date, the programme has mentored 70+ startups from over 10 countries, including Healthtracka, Tix Africa, Artdey, Nguvu Health, Fashtracker, Vybe, among others.

This year, the Wimbart team will select 20 early-stage Africa-focused startups who will enjoy access to six exclusive webinars delivering insights and tools on a range of topics including developing successful communications plans, building relationships with journalists, communicating with investors and how to amplify press coverage.

The webinars will be followed by three dedicated one-on-one PR Office Hours sessions with senior members of the Wimbart team. These sessions are designed to help startups to better understand communications challenges specific to their business and discuss strategies on positioning and messaging to attract customers, investment and talent, it said.

Jessica Hope, founder and CEO of Wimbart, said the agency has worked with almost 100 African technology companies over the years, helping it to gain a unique insight into the support and business tools they need.

“Previously we have focused Office Hours on PR & communications, but we realised that even more access to professional services was needed, which is why for 2022, we are excited to connect our incredible network of ecosystem operators to our cohort,” she said.

On its website, Wimbart announced that in an enhanced offering for 2022, “ecosystem leaders Ventures Platform, TechCabal, TLP Advisory, Norebase and Wowzi will deliver unmissable keynote talks as part of a bumper programme covering many facets of running a startup”.

Applications for Wimbart Office Hours Four will run until Friday, 22 July, 2022, while successful applicants will be notified on Thursday, 1 September, 2022. The first webinar with a Q&A session will take place in the week commencing 19th September.

Wimbart, with a focus on the continent’s tech and start-up sectors, now produces hyper-targeted, relevant and meaningful media campaigns for clients. Since its launch in 2015, it has gained a reputation for providing services beyond traditional public relations agencies, breaking big news stories and curating memorable press campaigns.