Akro is a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses. We offer events, venture funding and consulting services, and we have a painfully practical attitude towards entrepreneurship.


AB InBev
BudStart Programme
Akro is pleased to present startups with the opportunity to apply to the AB InBev Global’s BudStart programme, powered by Beer Garage.
AB InBev introduces startups in 8 streams into their ecosystem with a Proof of Value (PoV) execution model!
Why apply?
Market access is one of the top three challenges facing startups globally, placing next to lack of funding and team issues.
Your opportunity to get validation within the AB InBev value chain.
AB InBev Global has a wide ranging network within which the different business solutions can plug in.
Collaboration for this reason, is a no-brainer for Akro’s startups and network.
What does the startup get?
Up to $50K
- Paid engagement PoCs (Up to $50K)
- Milestone based payments
Global Expansion
- Accessibility to ABI global markets
- Referrals to other corporates
Product Maturity
- Enterprise Grade Product
- Live Environment Deployment
- Co-Create Product Roadmap
Mentorship
- Access to ABI leaders and SMEs for functional knowledge
- Sessions by external mentors
Investment Opportunities
- Exposure and recommendation to VC network/partners
- Opportunity within ABI
Perks
- Free credits from our partners
- Access to event
Community Outreach
Connect with successful ABI start-ups
Learn the ways of working with ABI from start-ups which have been through that journey
What is PoV?
PoV (Proof of Value) is used to identify the value of the product based on customer’s usecases. The value is proven by demonstrating customer’s usecases in a standard environment.
Please ONLY apply if you fit into one of these 8 streams:
Akro is hosting 2 Q&A sessions. Register for Friday session at 14:00 pm CAT or Monday session 15:00 pm CAT.
For the purposes of this application, only 8 streams will be considered into which your business can fit.
- Stream 1:
Truck on demand
Last mile delivery Solutions
Smart Vehicle Tracking
Solutions allowing connect drivers (to sellers) with riders (to buyers) with the capability of mobile payment and dynamic pricing.
Cost effective solutions on vehicle tracking. - Stream 2:
E2E Stock Reconciliation
Solutions which can efficiently and effectively track, and match finished products vs end users. - Stream 3:
WIFI Chiller (Digitalize Store)
Solution/product idea of creating a free WIFI network within the cooler using a device which can be used by store owner to place orders via B2B platform. - Stream 4:
Reverse Logistics
Recycle and Sustainability solutions
Solutions on supply chain system with tech integrated. Track, collect and process the bottles and cans back to manufacturer. Sustainable solution on use of less plastics. - Stream 5:
Store Mini Cameras
(IOT solutions for chiller and Footprint analysis)
Infrastructure IOT solutions which can be used to track chiller temp, theft, shelf space etc. Analyze the footprint of the store and customer analytics. - Stream 6:
Competitive Intelligence (Market analytics)
Best practices for measuring markets
Solutions which can identify competitors' market analysis and areas of operations. Tools to measure markets using best frameworks and dashboards - Stream 7:
Digital Marketing
(AI driven Social Media Campaigns)
Solutions for 121 marketing promotions for specific PoC’s using multi-channel social media data - Stream 8:
Digital Signage
Solutions to digital display communications and promotions in the PoC’s
Key Selection Criteria:
- Ability to demonstrate the business value & scalability of the solution
- Readiness to expand to new geographical regions
- Experience with CPGs particularly alcohol/beverages segment would be an added advantage
- Innovative Commercial models: OPEX, Gain Share, Lease, etc.
- Strong product roadmap
Startup Growth can be challenging.
Akro is proud to bring you the opportunity to apply to the AB InBev sponsored BudStart programme powered by Beer Garage
- Applications close 4th June 2021.
- Notification of acceptance will be by 11 June 2021
- Programme with Proof of Concept starts 5 July 2021
Prepare your pitch deck to attach in the application form. It should include the following:
- Problem you are solving
- Proposed solution
- USP/Differentiator amongst other solutions in the market
- Case Studies – Success stories with other clients
- Value Proposition for ABI
- Commercial Model
- Scalability Approach
- Clientele
- Team Credentials