Troyka, Hotsauce Offer ‘Disruptive’ Startups Lifeline to Viva Technology Paris 2016

With assurance for return ticket, event ticket and simplified visa processing, West Africa's biggest marketing communications group, Troyka Group and its digital division, HotSauce, are offering Startups with ‘disruptive’ technology in Nigeria, and other West African countries, the opportunity to participate in the Viva Technology Startup Connect Paris 2016.

Viva Technology Paris, a tech-Olympic sort of, is an initiative from the Publicis Groupe, a global leader in marketing communication, and business transformation.

The event’s unique mission is to bring the world’s most innovative startups together with the major global players in digital transformation.

For three days starting 30 June, an expected 30,000 entrepreneurs, corporate executives, venture capitalists and other investors will join about 5,000 startups in a purpose-built environment in Paris, aimed at providing a real-time platform for collaboration and a high-level stage for discussions around the impact technology has on both businesses and society.

In a bid to ensure that Nigerian tech startups also get a chance to participate in this grand opportunity, Troyka Holdings, Nigeria’s foremost marketing communications company, and HotSauce, its digital innovation company, will be sponsoring select Nigerian startups that qualify to pitch at Viva Technology Startup Connect event.

Commenting on the initiative, Jimi Awosika, vice chairman, Troyka Holdings, said that Troyka Group is investing in the technology industry in Nigeria, as it foresees technology as the pilot that will take the economy into a newer platform.

“Technology is the backbone of the future economy. The rate of change and the level of disruption driven by modern technology are exponential, hence the reason we cannot afford to shy away from technology.”

He added, “As a business, supporting and creating opportunities is very vital to us. By offering our Nigerian Startups a chance to showcase their amazing talents and connect with investors from around the world, the Nigerian digital and technology industry will gain global recognition and relevance”,  he added.

Also commenting on the initiative, Dayo Adefila, CEO and Co-Founder, HotSauce, said that the Viva Technology StartUp Connect Paris can be likened to the Olympics for Startups where only the most forward thinking companies participate and showcase the amazing talents Nigeria has to offer the world.

“Businesses today are facing the dual threat and opportunity that widespread use of technology is creating and for us at HotSauce we are keen to help brands understand how best to utilize the transformative power of human insights and  technology, how best to create eco-systems that release new  possibilities and make their businesses more future proof.  That's  why we consider Viva Technology Startup Connect Paris 2016 as  not just a place for Tech Startups to showcase their ideas, but it offers a platform for learning, comprehension and interaction  between startups and businesses on one of the greatest platforms on the world stage. We are proud to support this initiative."

Viva Technology StartUp Connect Paris event is expected to bring together over 5,000 startups with top investors, industry leaders and companies to grow businesses and shape the future.

“To attend the event, sign up  at www.vivatechnologyparis.com  If your startup enters for a challenge and is invited to pitch at Viva Technology ensure to send an email to [email protected] The sponsorship package includes tickets to the event, visa processing and flight ticket,” the Companies announced.

Viva Technology at a Glance:
Viva is a unique opportunity for startups to grow by participating to 200 challenges proposed by major corporations, investors and partners.

For instance, major companies are looking to use open innovation to hack some of their most strategic business challenges and to partner with startups to find the right solutions; top VC’s looking for future investment opportunities and the opportunity to pitch them live at Viva Technology Paris; accelerators, incubators and other major actors that want to add your expertise to their programs; and special awards and prizes to reward the best pitches and startups

According to Mr. Bolaji Okusaga, managing director, The Quadrant Company, the platform provides opportunity for three startups in Nigeria with two team members each, to prove themselves at the world stage.

He defined the exposure as a starting  point  for  creating  a  real  dialogue  between  startups  and  large  companies.

Viva  Technology  offers one of the biggest coworking platforms in the world in the shape of 20 labs helmed by large corporations that include Automotive Tech: Valeo; Building & Smart City: Cisco, Vinci; Customer Experience: Webhelp; Energy & Environment: Engie; Fintech: BNP Paribas; Gaming: PMU; Hospitality & Tourism: Accor Hotels; Insurance: Axa; Luxury: LVMH; Media: Groupe TF1; Open Transportation: SNCF; Retail: Carrefour; Telco & Connectivity: Orange; Urban Mobility & Services: RATP.