S1 #8 Jul 31, 24

What makes a startup ecosystem actually work?

What does it take to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem outside the usual centres of power?

Bandile Mndebele speaks with Hubspace founding director and venture scout Melilizwe Gqobo about entrepreneurship, township economies, patient capital, community, enterprise development and innovation.

The conversation looks beyond the mythology of the lone founder to examine the infrastructure, relationships and support systems that allow businesses to survive and grow.

Guest: Melilizwe Gqobo

Topics: entrepreneurship, startups, innovation, township economy, patient capital, enterprise development, South Africa and business ecosystems.

The Add IDEAS Podcast is an OTHERWISE production.

Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Host

Bandile Mndebele

Bandile Mndebele is a passionate advocate for intersectional inclusion, committed to creating equitable and inclusive environments. Their journey began at Stellenbosch University, where they pioneered a gender-neutral initiative, making it the first top South African university to recognize the gender-neutral marker, Mx. Following their academic pursuits, Bandile has held influential roles in various organisations, including serving on the Global Council for DEI and as a PRIDE Network Chair at a major S&P 500 company, where they co-founded Ubuntu South Africa. They have been instrumental in driving initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for marginalised groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals and neurodivergent people. They have also been recognized for their leadership and impact, receiving awards such as the Top 100 Outstanding LGBT+ Future Leader and Top 100 Outstanding Executive Role Model. Through their podcast, newsletter, and speaking engagements, Bandile shares insights and inspires others to create a more just and equitable world. Their work highlights the importance of intersectional inclusion.

Guest

Melilizwe Gqobo

Founding director of Hubspace (Khayelitsha) and Venture Scout, has successfully created space for founders and entrepreneurs to thrive by strengthening and reinforcing their capacity or ability to seek opportunities.