I have a very contrarian view of incubators. If ever we are not copying YC i’d look why. If we are copying YC, then i’d see how much. YC has a bunch of videos of projects that got successfully funded when you apply to motivate you. But, the irony is that the projects that YC takes as example when applying would be fine or super fine without YC. So, even YC seems to be interested in … safe bets.
“We just met with our investors” and turns camera to show where they just met etc. Why you need YC then?
Outside of incubators, Mauritian investing seems to be like: Hum make money, good money then we’ll shake wings with you. Bro, we don’t need you at this point and it’s pretty easy at that point to build ladders and sideline VCs.
Very grateful that La Plage exists and are trying to do the best they can, for sure. Initiatives should be saluted and apathy should be abhorred.
But i have concerns about tech for good. I know i am throat-deep in tech, back SV folks fully and think America is one of the best places to build, but, do i view tech as an excellent leverage to improve society, certainly not.
“Participants with technology-enabled projects that create positive social, environmental, or economic impact (“Tech for Good”) are encouraged to apply” Tech for Good for me is about whitewashing tech. Why don’t we enquire about how devices are made and it’s impact on society and the environment. Why don’t we call out tech as massive surveillance enablers with pin-drop accuracy?
And also, chuckles, MRIC NSIS endorsement IS required. Huh?
I’m sure it provides a safe area for people to evolve and does a good job at it. But, we must always keep tech’s fundamental premises under review.