11 Sep Michelle Kleu Appointed as CEO of Innovation City Cape Town

Posted at 19:44h in Leadership by

Cape Town, South Africa – 11 September 2024

Innovation City Cape Town, a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, corporates, and tech innovators, proudly announces the appointment of Michelle Kleu as its new CEO. Michelle steps into the role at a pivotal time, as the organisation continues its mission to foster collaboration and innovation within South Africa’s tech ecosystem.

Michelle brings an impressive background, having pivoted through several high-impact industries, including management consulting, high-performance sports coaching, and startup leadership. Her experience and strategic acumen are set to steer Innovation City into a new era of growth.

“Our aim is to continue breaking down barriers between startups and established corporates, allowing for dynamic partnerships to flourish,” said Kieno Kammies, co-founder of Innovation City. “Michelle’s leadership will help us expand on that goal, making Innovation City the go-to destination for the brightest minds in tech.”

Stephan Ekbergh, co-founder of Innovation City, who has now handed over leadership to Michelle, expressed his excitement about the future under her guidance: “Michelle’s vision, passion, and experience make her the ideal leader to take Innovation City to new heights. It’s been an honour to build this platform, and I’m confident she will create even greater opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators across Africa.”

Since its inception, Innovation City has housed over 65 companies, from early-stage startups to high-growth ventures and global corporate teams such as MTN’s Ayoba and Old Mutual’s Next176. The collaborative environment has catalysed numerous partnerships between nimble startups and South Africa’s largest corporates​. Michelle has played a key role in nurturing these connections, contributing to the facility’s growing reputation as a “melting pot of innovation.”​

Notable achievements under Michelle’s leadership:

  • Hosted impactful events such as the Innovation City Awards, celebrating outstanding startups and venture capital firms that have made significant contributions to the tech ecosystem. These events serve as a platform to highlight innovation, growth, and collaboration in Cape Town’s entrepreneurial scene, with a focus on fostering new partnerships and advancing the city’s tech community​​.
  • Established major sold-out annual events including Web in Travel, Digital Divas, and Digital Mastery, attracting global innovators and setting the standard for thought leadership in fintech, tourism, and digital transformation​
  • Expanded collaborations with both local and global stakeholders, including Harvard and MIT, which have shown interest in Innovation City’s ecosystem​.
  • Strengthened the Afrocentric Innovation movement, where African-born solutions are fostered to tackle regional challenges via a dynamic Business Speed Dating event dubbed ‘Tinder for Business.’

Michelle’s appointment promises further growth as Innovation City continues its commitment to being a cornerstone of Africa’s tech scene. “This is just the beginning of what we can achieve,” Michelle says. “I’m excited to build on Innovation City’s solid foundation and create more opportunities for tech talent and entrepreneurs in South Africa.”

About Innovation City Cape Town: Innovation City Cape Town is a dynamic and exclusive hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and corporates, fostering collaboration across the tech ecosystem. By hosting curated events, providing co-working spaces, and facilitating partnerships, the hub has established itself as a premier destination for innovation in Africa.

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