This month saw Keri-Leigh Paschal, executive director and co-founder of Nation Builder, present on the topic of how digital technology can inform and build our nation, at yet another Stellenbosch Digital LaunchLab talk.
In line with the objectives of Stellenbosch Digital, an event on Thursday evening saw many business people and start-up entrepreneurs networking and engaging, with the “goal of starting conversations to find ways to learn from each other and move Stellenbosch’s digital ecosystem to greater heights.”
The LaunchLab was abuzz with excited voices, as people asked the frequent question of “What do you do?”
Founded in 2013, LaunchLab makes use of widespread networks in order to assist emerging entrepreneurs, so that they might prosper in South Africa. In ensuring that the quality of ideas and innovations are of the best standards, marketing assistant, Helen Fortuin reports, “We have a certain criteria companies need to fit in order to be part of the LL community. They need to be innovative product-based companies.”
Brandon Paschal, Incubation Manager at LaunchLab, opened the evening by introducing two of the 52 LaunchLab “incubatees”; Kyle Ueckermann, founder and CEO at Vollar, and Conor Jenkins, sales director of (H)OURS. Both briefly presented on their businesses.
Sales Director, Conor Jenkins, presenting on his company, (H)OURS. PHOTO: Aaliyah Davids.
Thereafter, Renier Kriel, founder of 4i, introduced Nationbuilder’s Keri-Leigh.
“We spend our time inspiring and equipping the business communities. We’re very focused on the business community and how you lead social change in our country,” says Keri-Leigh.
Renier Kriel discusses initiative Nation Builder, with Executive Director and Co-Founder, Keri-Leigh Paschal. PHOTO: Aaliyah Davids.
Nation Builder is an initiative within the private investment group, Mergon. Nation Builder was established in 2008, as an initiative that inspires and equips businesses to enable greater positive social impact. The platform offers resources, tools and a community to ensure that social investment is as effective as possible.
Stellenbosch Digital describes itself as a community of people interested in digital technology. This community includes a partnership with 4i – a team using technology to solve complex problems and improve lives – and LaunchLab – a business start-up incubator. According to Lesley Arenz of 4i, Stellenbosch Digital has hosted a series of monthly talks since 2014.
Stellenbosch Digital organizes talks every month, in partnership with 4i and LaunchLab. PHOTO: Twitter.
The discussion was met with great interest and many questions. Keri-Leigh explained the many ways in which Nation Builder is able to assist businesses in making sure that all capital budgeted for social impact, actually makes a real impact within the environment targeted, as well as within people’s own businesses.
She mentioned one of her favourite quotes: “’Business should be done in a way to stimulate the economy and benefit South Africans’ – and I love that”.