Thursday 8 October 2009 will remain a memorable and auspicious occasion in South African calendar. The Silicon Cape Initiative Launch witnessed 500 plus delegates in support of what will undoubtedly grow into South Africa’s next largest, exportable commodity. Politicians, entrepreneurs, VC’s and web 2.0 savvy fundies enjoyed a morning of interactive creative-genius listening and participating in ensuring that we do what’s necessary and plan ahead.
The brainchild of Justin Stanford (4Di Capital) and Vinny Lingham (Yola.com), Silicon Cape encourages the protection and profitability of Intellectual Property. The Cape has the opportunity and potential to be the hi-tech, innovation hub of South Africa and has the eco-system necessary to incubate such a feat. Based on the idea that you can make a great city anywhere so long as you can get the people to move we asked the question, “How can we get the right people to live here, or more of them?” Cape Town is a marketable brand and stands to be the focal point of SA. It has the right ingredients and profile; great universities, personality and culture, willingness from government and it’s a beautiful place to live. The Cape is essentially where Silicon Valley was 15 years ago.
Vinny and Justin had a live discussion on the topic and notably mentioned that startups lead to more startups and with the liquidity of money, you can repeat the cycle. SA is traditionally known for reduced costs, in salaries, buildings etc which is an attractive opportunity for investors to stretch their money. Undeniably we of course also have a fantastic talent pool. “It’s still not ideal but it’s no longer a show stopper!” Considering that the country’s resources will run out, they see the core opportunity as South Africa becoming the next exporter of IP (intellectual property). What’s needed? An investor friendly environment potentially with tax incentives, protection and free mobility of capital internationally, access to a community and eco-system and an environment that promotes rather than inhibits. Start-ups create opportunities for employees who in turn go on to become next generation founders. Most importantly, if we can’t export our IP we will export our talent!
Andrea Bohmert (HP Ventures) was brave enough to highlight a few of the harsh realities existent in our country and education system outlining some of the difficulties ahead in achieving what’s not insurmountable but most certainly a challenge.
After Andrea ‘poured cold water on Vinnie and Justin’s enthusiasm,’ Laurence Olivier optimistically contemplated some solutions to the challenges previously mentioned. Quoting Vinod Khosla, “Success only comes from those foolish enough to think the unreasonable,” Laurie reminded us all that if you don’t strive for the impossible, taking creative risks, you will never achieve the unimaginable.
Johann Rupert (Rembrandt) very wisely said that, “the all-powerful state will not be as powerful when property resides in people’s heads.” Because people who own the intellectual property are mobile, they get to choose where they live, and they’ll choose to live where their intellectual property is most highly valued. That’s where they will create economic growth. In the Western Cape, if we create the proper economic incentivisation, there will be money. His statement, “Let’s create a tax-free zone in the Western Cape” was of course very well received and would indeed be an exciting prospect for the province, the country, the industry and indeed Silicon Cape.
Dr Ramphele (Chairperson of TIA) very succinctly and effectively spoke about the importance in our government creating an enabling environment whereby patronage does not continue to be an inhibitor to innovation and pledging her complete support on behalf of TIA (Technology Innovation Agency).
Helen Zille’s (WP Premier) attendance and commitment to the event is in itself commendable. Government’s involvement was frequently highlighted as a key ingredient to the success of such a momentous goal and Helen Zille emphatically did just that. She sees her job as making sure that the conditions exist where everyone can take advantage of the benefits of a viable, established democracy, removing barriers to access.
The Silicon Cape Initiative Launch was without a doubt a success becoming the number one trending topic on Twitter, hosting live blogging and allowing an opportunity for future collaboration on a ground breaking, national scale.
Live Blogging:
Juliet Pitman at Silicon Cape Launch and Ivo Vegter at #SiliconCape.
Be apart of Silicon Cape and find more information regarding the speakers and the wake of the event.
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Thanks Mister Katz! Would have loved to have been there