Tech Pioneers of South Africa Unveiled for the Year 2024

The second edition of the South African Startup Awards, organised by Startup Club ZA, took place on 26 November in Cape Town, marking the first time the event was held in person since its inception. This prestigious awards ceremony aimed to highlight the top early-stage tech startups across South Africa and demonstrate the nation's exceptional innovation and potential on a global stage.

The awards featured 12 categories, with a 25-member committee making the judgements, alongside input from public voters. The winners across various sectors showcased the diversity and ingenuity of South Africa's startup ecosystem.

In the ConsumerTech category, Truvu Virtual Tours emerged victorious, revolutionising online property exploration by closing the browsing gap. The Digital Commerce award went to Hailr, a platform that redefines advertising with interactive, engaging, and rewarding user experiences.

The EdTech sector saw Melsoft Academy preparing African students for careers in software development. In the FinTech category, Float, an Africa-based platform for card-linked installment payments, took home the prize.

The HealthTech award was won by Strove, a platform enhancing wellbeing and engagement for today's workforce. The Biotech award went to Immobazyme, driving innovation with precision fermentation to create premium active protein ingredients.

The Mobility/Logistics category was claimed by MotionAds, an innovative delivery bike advertising solution that boosts brand visibility while supplementing drivers' income. The Climate/Sustainability award was won by The Awareness Company, empowering large enterprises to address sustainability issues while maximising profitability.

The Future of Work category saw Jem HR, a WhatsApp-based platform delivering HR solutions and employee benefits for frontline workers, taking the prize. The AI and Big Data award was won by Yazi, a research platform integrated with WhatsApp, designed to deliver improved insights and response accuracy.

The People's Choice award was given to Happy Pay, which empowers South African consumers with interest-free credit. Lastly, Informal Market saw Delivery Ka Speed SA, a delivery service improving access in townships, taking the top spot.

Startup Club ZA, known as the largest tech startup and investor network in South Africa, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting and promoting the nation's startup ecosystem. The South African Startup Awards 2021 was a testament to the country's thriving innovation scene, showcasing the tremendous potential of its early-stage tech startups.