Innovation and impact are the cornerstones of success in the dynamic world of startups. At VBAN, we are proud to support a diverse array of early-stage companies that embody these qualities, each striving to make a meaningful difference in their respective industries. Through the VBAN Portfolio Series, we embark on a journey to uncover the […]
In recent years, several startups ditched the disciplined approach to growth and went for the growth-at-all-costs model. Examples such as Sendy and Twiga, among others, are a testament to this. With this “Go Big or Go Home” approach, characterized by Reid Hoffman’s book “Blitz Scaling,” those who have not yet achieved sustainability now have to make significant changes to […]
EARLY-STAGE TECH AS AN ASSET CLASS Exiting from early-stage investments just doesn’t happen. There is a wide range of possible outcomes. It is a result of continuous knowledge and preparation and readiness that secures optimal outcomes for the angel investor. Failing to plan becomes planning to fail. An angel investor thus, must have extensive knowledge […]
In a dynamic and knowledge-driven landscape, the journey from research breakthroughs to real-world impact is a vital bridge that demands strategic acumen. The recent Training of Trainers (ToT) program, spanning an insightful week, was a transformative experience designed to empower the heads of research institutions to establish and manage effective Research to Commercialization (R2C) centres […]
Research to Commercialisation(R2C) Accelerator Program Welcomes Cohort 2: Empowering Innovators to Transform Research Innovations Into Successful Businesses Viktoria Ventures, in collaboration with the Kenya National Innovations Agency (KENIA), is implementing a Research to Commercialisation (R2C) program to strengthen the commercialisation process in universities and research centres in Kenya. We are thrilled to announce the launch […]
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business landscape, tech startups are emerging at an unprecedented rate. While these ventures hold immense potential for disruptive innovation and substantial returns, they also face significant risks, making due diligence crucial. Conducting thorough due diligence helps investors make informed decisions and enables tech startups to identify potential pitfalls and […]
Halfway in, celebrating, learning, improving… the R2C journey so far! During the past several months, we embarked on an incredible Research to Commercialization (R2C) journey with a group of eight innovators looking to commercialize their innovations and fifteen participants in the Training of Trainers (ToT) program looking to take elements of the R2C program and push them […]
Angel investing is a global phenomenon, and there are numerous jurisdictions worldwide that support and encourage angel investing. Determining the ideal jurisdiction for angel investing is subjective and depends on various factors, including personal preferences, industry focus, network accessibility, and specific investment opportunities. Conducting thorough research and seeking professional advice are recommended to make informed […]
Product-market fit is a crucial concept all businesses must understand to succeed. In simple terms, product-market fit means that a product or service satisfies the needs of a specific market segment. Product-market fit is essential for startups and established businesses launching new products or services. However, it can be challenging to achieve, requiring a deep […]
Mawazo Institute Research to Commercialization (R2C) Training Highlights Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields, leading to a lack of research-based innovations, and hindered socio-economic growth. Commercialization is crucial for researchers to bring their solutions to the market. The R2C program, in partnership with the Mawazo Institute, aims to address the underrepresentation of women […]
In angel investing, legal expertise plays a pivotal role in determining the success of an investment. While angel investors may question the need for legal considerations, it is crucial to understand that engaging a lawyer with specific experience in startup financing and securities law is essential in navigating the complex landscape of angel investing. Building […]
What makes a good researcher? It is a simple yet complex question that can help you fully understand innovation from ideation to commercialization. Researchers and innovators in Africa have struggled through the whole process, and the need to fully understand the innovation process might be why this is the case. There are 4 major […]
Running research to commercialized (R2C) programs in universities and research institutions is becoming increasingly important. Such programs have the potential to transform research findings into practical solutions that can address societal needs and generate income for institutions and researchers. However, running successful R2C programs requires specific skills and strategies. We recently had our first ToT […]
A value proposition should articulate the benefits that the customer will receive. It should be unique, and it should be based on insights about customers and their needs. It should also be simple, clear, and easy to understand