Ventureburn

26/08/2024

There’s been a sharp focus on empowering women in tech. Particularly over the past few years, there’s also been a somewhat impressive movement of women into senior leadership roles in the industry. However, we still hear phrases such as “it’s a man’s world” and “women are fighting for a seat at the table”. This is because, despite progress, there is still a gap....

There’s been a sharp focus on empowering women in tech. Particularly over the past few years, there’s also been a somewhat impressive movement of women...

22/08/2024

In the dynamic world of business, South African women are not only breaking barriers but are also setting new standards for success. As we near the end of Women’s Month, we look at seven fierce females who broke the glass ceiling and the valuable advice they share with us. With their relentless determination, innovative thinking, and resilience, these trailblazing businesswomen have carved out spaces of influence and leadership....

21/08/2024

Blockchain technology goes by many names; game-changer, disruptive, futuristic and impenetrable. Names all well-deserved and valid. Initially associated with cryptocurrency, blockchain has well and truly come into its own and now includes health, transportation, disaster recovery and importantly, supply chain management. Indeed, with its ability to create secure and transparent networks, blockchain has the potential to reshape the way we manage supply chains. ...

20/08/2024

Axis Communications has unveiled groundbreaking explosion-protected devices, marking a significant leap forward in hazardous area safety and security technology. The Swedish network technology firm announced the launch of two innovative products: the world's first explosion-protected thermometric camera designed for Zone and Division 2 hazardous locations, and its inaugural Zone and Division 1 certified explosion-protected network horn speaker. The new thermometric camera, tailored for remote temperature monitoring, boasts a detection range extending into Zone and Division 1 hazardous areas....

Axis Communications launches world-first explosion-protected thermometric camera and network horn speaker for hazardous locations.

15/08/2024

Fintech innovation is increasingly targeting the world’s most influential consumer group: women. With women controlling a staggering 75% of global discretionary spending, fintech providers are waking up to the economic significance of female buyers and introducing innovations aimed at meeting their specific needs. Craig Newborn, CEO at PayJustNow, highlights that women not only make up a significant share of consumer spending but also reinvest the majority of their income into their families and communities....

Fintech innovation is increasingly targeting the world’s most influential consumer group: women. With women controlling a staggering 75% of global discretionary spending, fintech providers...

14/08/2024

We look at those championing sustainability and circular economy.

Why they often struggle to access the funding they need to thrive?

https://ventureburn.com/2024/08/hloolo-launch-to-address-overcoming-the-funding-gap-for-green-smes/

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Hloolo, a pioneering fintech platform, is addressing the critical funding gap faced by South African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

14/08/2024

South Africa boasts a vibrant financial sector, yet green SMEs, those championing sustainability and circular economy, often struggle to access the funding they need to thrive. These businesses, vital for a greener future, find themselves in a funding gap, too large for microfinance but too small for traditional investors. The challenge Research reveals a significant funding gap for SMEs, with 71% needing less than R1 million....

South Africa boasts a vibrant financial sector, yet green SMEs, those championing sustainability and circular economy, often struggle to access the funding they need...

13/08/2024

South African CEOs are swiftly embracing generative AI solutions, aiming to boost operational efficiency and innovation, according to a recent IBM study. However, this rapid adoption is not without its challenges, as leaders grapple with workforce concerns and regulatory constraints. The study, conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value, surveyed 3,000 CEOs globally, including those from South Africa. It revealed that 64% of respondents believe the success of generative AI implementation hinges more on people's adoption than on the technology itself....

South African CEOs are swiftly embracing generative AI solutions, aiming to boost operational efficiency and innovation, according to a recent IBM study. However, this...

13/08/2024

C-CONNECT, South Africa’s latest virtual mobile network operator (MVNO), has launched nationwide, targeting the country’s savvy prepaid users with a fresh approach to mobile services—one that includes built-in rewards. As a brand-new player in the telecom space, C-CONNECT is making waves not just for its cost-effective offerings, but for the potential it holds for entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) looking to leverage innovative solutions....

C-CONNECT, South Africa’s latest virtual mobile network operator (MVNO), has launched nationwide, targeting the country’s savvy prepaid users with a fresh approach to mobile...

13/08/2024

Cape Town schedules Africa Property Investment (API) Summit 2024.
https://memeburn.com/.../api-summit-2024-driving-impact.../
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13/08/2024

Cisco's latest cyber threat report has shed light on the evolving landscape of digital threats, with researchers analysing DNS data to uncover trends in cybercriminal activity. The networking giant's "Cyber Threat Trends Report: From Trojan Takeovers to Ransomware Roulette" examines the world of malicious domains, revealing that over a million need blocking every hour. This staggering figure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals....

12/08/2024

South African workers are demonstrating a remarkable willingness to adapt as generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) begins to reshape the job market, according to a new global survey. The study, which polled more than 150,000 respondents across 188 countries, reveals that over 90% of South African workers are prepared to reskill in response to the anticipated disruptions brought about by GenAI....

South African workers show readiness to reskill amid GenAI disruptions, with changing work preferences highlighted in global survey.

08/08/2024

Buhle Binta, Head of Scientific Engagement for Southern Africa at Philip Morris International (PMI), is empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while enabling a smoke-free future through to***co harm reduction. At the forefront of communicating the science behind PMI's smoke-free products, Binta's goal is to raise awareness and understanding of how these alternatives can contribute to improved public health....

Buhle Binta, Head of Scientific Engagement for Southern Africa at Philip Morris International (PMI), is empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)...

08/08/2024

We look at small businesses and their need for AI adoption.

Is this fast becoming a necessity?

https://memeburn.com/2024/08/small-businesses-fuel-economic-growth-through-ai-adoption/

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In the evolving landscape of technology, businesses are continuously innovating to stay competitive. Nedbank Group Chief Information Officer, Ray Naicker, shared his insights on how businesses, particularly small and micro-enterprises, can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning t...

08/08/2024

South Africa's metros are leveraging today's technologies to improve service delivery and enhance the citizen experience, transforming the country into smarter, more sustainable cities. According to Sunil Geness, Director of Global Government Affairs & CSR for Africa at SAP, smart cities hold enormous potential for improving the quality of life for millions of South Africans. "Smart cities leverage technology to bring improvements to every aspect of the citizen experience, from affordable housing to education and work opportunities....

South Africa’s metros are leveraging today’s technologies to improve service delivery and enhance the citizen experience, transforming the country into smarter, more sustainable cities....

07/08/2024

Founders Factory Africa, a leading venture capital firm in Africa, has rebranded itself as 54 Collective, signalling a new chapter in the continent's entrepreneurial landscape. The firm announced on Wednesday that it will now offer up to $500,000 in equity and non-dilutive capital to early-stage technology ventures across Africa. The rebrand reflects 54 Collective's pan-African ambitions, with the number in its name representing the 54 countries on the continent....

54 Collective, formerly Founders Factory Africa, rebrands to offer $500,000 in catalytic capital to African tech ventures.

07/08/2024

Google recently announced the 8th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This year’s cohort features ten innovative startups from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, selected from nearly 1,000 applications, highlighting the remarkable talent and creativity in the African tech ecosystem. Startups play a pivotal role in driving economic development and technological innovation in Africa. By addressing local challenges with tailored solutions, these startups are not only creating jobs but also enhancing the quality of life across the continent....

Google recently announced the 8th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This year’s cohort features ten innovative startups from Kenya, Nigeria,...

07/08/2024

Silverbacks Holdings, a Mauritius-based investment firm, has acquired a significant minority stake in NERGii, a South African sports technology company that produces innovative performance-enhancing shoe insoles. The deal, announced on 7 August in Cape Town, marks Silverbacks' latest foray into Africa's burgeoning sports and technology sectors. NERGii's flagship product is an advanced insole designed to naturally activate mitochondria, functioning as a biological wearable battery....

Silverbacks Holdings, a Mauritius-based investment firm, has acquired a significant minority stake in NERGii, a South African sports technology company that produces innovative performance-enhancing...

07/08/2024

5 Best Websites to Master Trading Psychology Technical intricacies are just the first step in the fast-paced world of trading. The mental game, sometimes known as trade psychology, is equally crucial. Successful traders can be distinguished from unsuccessful ones by their capacity to comprehend and control their emotions. In this article, we explore five elite websites that provide traders with a wealth of tools, perspectives, and tactics to help them overcome psychological obstacles and improve their performance....

Discover top websites for mastering trading psychology. Learn from experts like Dr. Brett Steenbarger and Akil Stokes to control emotions, build mental toughness, and improve trading performance through insightful articles, videos, and practical tools.

05/08/2024

Projected to create 230 million digital jobs by 2030, Africa's future workforce is being prepared today through initiatives like the World Robot Olympiad (WRO). South Africa is making significant strides in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, as evidenced by the remarkable increase in participation at the WRO 2024. Curro Holdings, a JSE-listed independent school group, has been a pivotal force in this movement....

05/08/2024

Payflex, South Africa's leading independent Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service provider, has launched a new payment option that could reshape the country's retail and e-commerce landscape. The company announced recently that it has introduced "Pay in 3", allowing customers to split purchases into three interest-free monthly payments, from 22 July. This move comes as Payflex aims to solidify its position as South Africa's most flexible payment provider....

Payflex introduces 'Pay in 3', a new flexible payment option for South African consumers, broadening its Buy Now Pay Later offerings.

02/08/2024

Amazon's cloud computing division, AWS, has roared back to life, propelling the e-commerce giant to record profits in the second quarter of 2024. The company's financial results, released on Tuesday, show a 19% year-on-year increase in AWS sales, reaching $26.3 billion. This reacceleration in cloud growth, coupled with strong performances in advertising and subscription services, helped Amazon offset slower growth in its core e-commerce business....

Amazon‘s cloud computing division, AWS, has roared back to life, propelling the e-commerce giant to record profits in the second quarter of 2024. The...

31/07/2024

Salesforce's latest State of Sales report reveals a significant shift in the South African sales landscape, with 85% of sales teams either fully implementing or experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI). This surge in AI adoption comes as sales professionals grapple with evolving customer expectations and productivity challenges. The report, which surveyed 5,500 sales professionals across 27 countries, including South Africa, paints a picture of an industry in flux....

Salesforce’s latest State of Sales report reveals a significant shift in the South African sales landscape, with 85% of sales teams either fully implementing...

31/07/2024

South African climate-tech startup, Plentify, has successfully raised a substantial sum of capital in an oversubscribed funding round, raising capital from prominent African and North American venture capitalists. The investment, secured from prominent African and North American venture capitalists, will propel the company's expansion in South Africa and international markets. Plentify addresses a critical challenge: the disparity between energy demand and clean energy supply....

South African climate-tech startup, Plentify, has successfully raised a substantial sum of capital in an oversubscribed funding round, raising capital from prominent African and...

31/07/2024

Data breaches are becoming increasingly costly and disruptive for South African businesses, with the average incident now carrying a price tag of R53.10 million, according to IBM's latest annual Cost of a Data Breach Report. The study, which analysed real-world data breaches experienced by 604 organisations globally between March 2023 and February 2024, reveals a concerning trend of escalating financial and operational impacts on affected companies....

South African companies face rising data breach costs, but AI-powered security measures show promise in reducing financial impact.

30/07/2024

Africa Data Centres has doubled the capacity of its Cape Town facility, adding 6 megawatts of IT load in a significant expansion of its CPT1 data centre. The move, announced on 25 July 2024, responds to surging demand for co-location services in South Africa's burgeoning tech hub. The expansion introduces three new halls to the campus, including two colocation spaces and one hyperscale hall....

Africa Data Centres has doubled the capacity of its Cape Town facility, adding 6 megawatts of IT load in a significant expansion of its...

29/07/2024

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) stand at a digital crossroads. Once the exclusive domain of large corporations with deep pockets, the digital marketing landscape is now becoming increasingly accessible to smaller players. Yet, for many SMB owners, the question remains: how can they navigate this complex terrain without getting lost in the turbulence? Danielle Senekal, senior digital campaign lead at…...

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) stand at a digital crossroads. Once the exclusive domain of large corporations with deep pockets, the digital marketing landscape...

29/07/2024

South African businesses are undergoing a profound metamorphosis, shifting from traditional, analogue operations to digitally driven, automated models. Accelerated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), this transformation necessitates agile and scalable IT infrastructures to support evolving business needs. Effective transformation entails a comprehensive overhaul of processes and systems, coupled with a cultural shift towards efficiency, customer-centricity, and competitive advantage. Technology is the catalyst for this change....

South African businesses are undergoing a profound metamorphosis, shifting from traditional, analogue operations to digitally driven, automated models. Accelerated by the Fourth Industrial Revolution...

23/07/2024

Let's be accountable instead of pointing fingers. It appears South Africa is fast on track when it comes to delivering English-competent individuals who pride themselves on being articulate all while faced with a dire reality being hungry. We use the term hungry, in the form of an empty stomach, inadequately educationally nourished, and in some cases skills and sometimes work ethic deprived....

Let’s be accountable instead of pointing fingers. It appears South Africa is fast on track when it comes to delivering English-competent individuals who pride...