Here are 6 South African startups worth watching in 2014

By Guest Author - January, 4th 2014

With our eye on 2014, let’s take a look at seven startups from South Africa specifically, with Africa to follow, that caught our eye then, and are worth following into 2014.

Mellowcabs

There are a plethora of taxi startups coming out of South Africa, all hoping to secure the market and get a piece the country’s multi billion rand industry. With international players like Uber entering the country it’s becoming tougher for local startups to compete, which is why finding a niche is so important. Enter Mellowcabs, the Franschhoek, Cape Town-based startup that wants to disrupt first and last mile transport.

Why it’s worth watching?

Mellowcabs’ revenue model is unique, and its target market is niche. The rides are free, and Mellowcabs offsets running costs by using the internet’s advertising model: banner ads — directly on the vehicles. Down the line the aim is to put tablets into the cabs which can then cash in on geolocation advertising. Because the pedal-cabs focus on first and last mile transportation, Mellowcabs’ isn’t directly competing with the likes of Uber or regular cab companies. Add in a green stance and Mellowcabs is our most exciting cab startup to watch in 2014.

EDGE Campus

Mobile penetration has been a hot topic for a while when speaking about Africa, and African startups. With education a sector sorely in need of innovation, it was only a matter of time before… (READ MORE HERE)