Net Prophet » Blog

Crowd Sourced Bursary target reached

Tim — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:27:56 +0000

We have good news to share regarding our Crowd Sourced Bursary idea that we launched at Net Prophet 2010.

Through some outrageously generous contributions from various members of the community and RAMP Foundation, we have now reached our target of R60 000! Excellent. Many thanks to all those who contributed.

Now that we’ve reached our target, it’s time to kick things into gear, and begin the exciting process of finding a suitable candidate who will be awarded the bursary, enrolled, and mentored towards success. The first step is already in motion, and These Numbers Have Faces, who have kindly offered to facilitate the process for us, are busy scouting for the ideal candidate to utilise the bursary. Once they have been identified, we’ll formally introduce them to you, and communicate their progress over time. Ultimately, we’d like to get the community involved where possible in encouraging our students to succeed.

For those interested in the mechanics behind the selection and mentoring process, you can read more about These Numbers Have Faces and their excellent Community impact model, which favors development and interdependency over simply providing aid on their website.

Feeling inspired yet? The fund is still open! – and contributions will go towards our 2011 Crowd Sourced Bursary, with the goal of providing exponentially more bursaries to more students. So we’d like to encourage those inspired to give to feel free to do so at any stage. The details on how to give can be found here.

More updates to follow.

Find out more about the Net Prophet Conference and other Net Prophet events by visiting our website. Click here to stay in touch and get all the information about future Net Prophet events.

Crowd Sourced Bursary target reached

Net Prophet 2010 – Erik Hersman

Tim — Mon, 24 May 2010 07:22:33 +0000

Erik Hersman is also the founder of Ushahidi, iHub, AfriGadget and spends a lot of his time telling stories of Africans solving everyday problems with little more than their creativity and ingenuity. Fascinated by micro-entrepreneurs, gadgets and improvisation, he is proving that technology is changing Africa – daily.

In his presentation, Erik looks at the rising tide of technology entrepreneurs throughout Africa.

Technology Entrepreneurs in Africa: a rising tide – by Erik Hersman

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2010-1.mp3[/podcast]

Net Prophet 2010 – Arthur Goldstuck

Tim — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:00:15 +0000

Arthur is an award-winning writer, analyst and commentator on Internet, mobile and business and consumer technologies. He heads the World Wide Worx research organisation, leading groundbreaking research into how change is affecting businesses large and small. Clients of the research include South Africa’s major financial institutions and corporations, Government departments and agencies, and international organisations.

In his presentation, Arthur gives valuable insights and data around the technology and consumers in South Africa.

The Sophisticat, the Elephant, and the Secret of the Digital Native – By Arthur Goldstuck

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2010-9.mp3[/podcast]

Net Prophet 2010 – Patrick Kayton

Tim — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:37:27 +0000

Patrick Kayton has spent the better part of ten years putting ideas into people’s heads. As a content architect, Patrick has been responsible for the conceptualisation, design, development and delivery of creative, full colour and highly interactive educational materials, courses and comics principally in the areas of entrepreneurship and innovation.

In his presentation, Patrick looks at the history of how we publish content, and how we should do so in the future.

Giving up Gutenberg: Shaping the future of Internet publishing by shrugging off the past – by Patrick Kayton

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2010-6.mp3[/podcast]

Net Prophet 2010 – Richard Mulholland

Tim — Fri, 21 May 2010 08:30:53 +0000

Richard Mulholland is the founder of Missing Link (www.missinglink.co.za), a specialist conference and presentation strategy company, and co-owner of Thunk! (www.thunklab.com) SA’s first perspective lab.

In his presentation, Richard looks at the negative sides effects of social media, and how they can be avoided.

Social media: the side effects

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2010-5.mp3[/podcast]

Net Prophet 2010 – Stuart Ntlathi

Tim — Fri, 21 May 2010 07:11:03 +0000

Stuart Ntlathi(23) heads up the Stuart Ntlathi Science, Engineering and Technology Institute (SNSET INSTITUTE). He is one of South Africa’s biggest proponents of the promotion and development of education, specifically in the field of Science, Engineering and Technology amongst the youth.

In his presentation, Stuart tells his own remarkable story, as well as his vision for empowering the next generation of technology innovators.

The next generation – by Stuart Ntlathi

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2010-8.mp3[/podcast]

Net Prophet 2010 – Adriaan Pienaar

Tim — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:48:12 +0000

Adriaan Pienaar is an entrepreneur and co-founder of the very successful online startup WooThemes. Along with being a serial entrepreneur, he is also a designer & developer (CSS, PHP &WordPress), which has spawned his other company – a boutique design & development agency – Radiiate.

In his presentation, Adriaan tells the story of how humble South African startup Woo Themes became an international success.

The Woo themes story – by Adriaan Pienaar

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2010-3.mp3[/podcast]

Net Prophet 2010 – Stefan Magdalinski

Tim — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:47:06 +0000

Stefan Magdalinski is the CEO of Mocality.com, a new mobile business directory (and a lot more to come) providing services to thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa. Mocality’s first city is Nairobi, Kenya. He is also former CTO of digital printing company moo.com.

In his presentation, Stefan looks at the lessons learnt from building a technology business in Africa.

Top of the BOPs: Observations from building online business in Africa – by Stefan Magdalinski

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2010-4.mp3[/podcast]

Net Prophet 2010 – Vinny Lingham

Tim — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:45:47 +0000

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yola, Vinny is a seasoned, globally acclaimed entrepreneur who has founded a number of businesses, including the award-winning search engine marketing company, Clicks2Customers.

In his presentation, Vinny shares the lessons learnt from building a global business.

Building a global business – by Vinny Lingham

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2010-2.mp3[/podcast]

Seth Godin, Roelof Botha and Tony Hsieh videos

Tim — Thu, 20 May 2010 06:19:31 +0000

Seth Godin (marketing guru & acclaimed author), Roelof Botha (partner at Sequioa Capital) and Tony Hsieh (CEO of Zappos) generously gave of their time to share some important thoughts with our delegates at Net Prophet 2010.

Each of them sent us a video created exclusively for us, which aired for the first time ever at Net Prophet 2010. Here they are if you missed them. Enjoy.

1. Seth Godin – Seth answers the question: ‘what are your top future trends for marketing online’

2. Roelof Botha – Roelof gives advice to budding technology entrepreneurs.

3. Tony Hsieh – Tony shares his secrets for delivering out of this world customer service.

Net Prophet Crowd Sourced Bursary

Tim — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:15:19 +0000

Net Prophet 2.0 saw the introduction of a new concept dubbed the ‘Crowd Sourced Bursary‘. The idea was use to Net Prophet as an opportunity to raise money towards a full bursary for tertiary learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, who show a high propensity to innovate and succeed in the technology arena.

These Numbers Have Faces have kindly offered to help us with the application and selection process, identifying the best educational institution and coaching the individuals personally and professionally. They will also provide us with feedback so that all the donors can follow the progress of student(s) who get funded. TNHF are already doing some fantastic work in our local communities to help empower the youth through education and mentoring programs, and are the perfect partner to ensure the money is well spent.

To date we have raised R45 000+ (through some extremely generous offers), but are still approx. R15k short of covering a full bursary, which sees the learner with a full qualification and mentoring. Please help us get there by pledging through our website.

If you have already pledged, and are looking to pay – our banking details can be found here.

Net Prophet 2.0 Stats

Tim — Tue, 18 May 2010 10:18:49 +0000

We are humbled by the success of what is only the second iteration of Net Prophet. The local digital community came in force, along with droves of new faces, all hungry to learn more about making business sense of the Internet.

It’s amazing that we were able to keep this event completely free for delegates to attend a second year running. Events of this scale simply don’t happen without the generous support of sponsors (Old Mutual, White Wall Web, RSAWEB, Yola & Twokats Communications). Special kudos must go to Twokats Communications for all of their behind the scenes work on our PR and media concerns.

The scale of Net Prophet 2.0 was quite different to that of our first event. Take a look at some of the stats:

Transferring your registration

Tim — Wed, 12 May 2010 12:04:05 +0000

If you are registered for Net Prophet, and through some unforeseeable misfortune are unable to attend, you may want to transfer your registration to someone else. Here’s how you do it:

Simply send an email to changes@netprophet.org.za with the name, surname, email address, company & mobile number of the person who you want to transfer your registration to. You will receive a response from our administration team confirming the change. The email must be sent from the email address you registered with in order for us to verify.

This will only be available till 4pm today. We won’t accept any more transfers after this.

We can only handle 50 transfers max, so it’s first come first serve.

One week to go…

Tim — Thu, 06 May 2010 11:29:27 +0000

Only one week to go. Make sure you’ve cleared your schedule for May 13, and that all necessary reminders and arrangements are in place.

Here are some important things you need to know in preparation for next week:

The official Net Prophet after party
Attending the official Net Prophet after party is mandatory if you want to complete the experience. Not only will there be free drinks, pizza and good company, but our delegates will also be rocked by The Wedding DJ’s – one of Cape Towns hottest Electro outfits.

Your Net Prophet nametag gets you and a ‘plus one’ in – so make sure you hang onto your tag after the conference.

Venue: La Med, Camps Bay
Time: 7pm

Parking & registration
Please note that the locations for parking and registration have changed from last year. All the details are explained clearly on our website here, or you can download a map here.

Registration takes place between 7am and 8am on the day. The first few people to register are guaranteed some cool free stuff. Be there early.

Cancellations
If you can’t make the conference, please let us know in advance by using our cancellation facility on our website.

See you soon!

3 Geeks and a DJ: Net Prophet Super-Panel

Tim — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 07:36:21 +0000

It gives us the greatest of pleasure to share with you our explosive super-panel for Net Prophet 2010, featuring 3 giants from the tech world and a local radio DJ with a black belt in standup comedy.

Participating in the panel discussion, we have acclaimed Silicon Valley author and editor-at-large for techcrunch.com, Sarah Lacy, who is joined by Stephen Newton of Google SA and Stephan Ekbergh, founder of International online travel giant Travelstart. The panel, hosted by KFM’s Richard Hardiman (the partyman), will take a look at global web trends, and the opportunities that local entrepreneurs can tap into.

It’s just another great reason why Net Prophet 2010 is one event you don’t want to miss. 28 days and counting.

FYI: Due to increased demand, we’ve made more seats available for this year’s event! Register here if you haven’t already.

Check out our prophet lineup here.

Registration is now open!

Tim — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:37:41 +0000

We are pleased to announce that registration for Net Prophet 2010 is now officially open. Attendance is still FREE, thanks to our sponsors, but space is limited. Register now to avoid untold regret.

NB: Please note that you must register on our website in order to attend. NO other means is acceptable. Those who do not comply will not be allowed access to the event. Please also note that only 5 people per company/organisation will be allowed to register for the event.

Go register now!

Early Bird registrations

Tim — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:03:57 +0000

Secure your spot early at what is going to be South Africa’s hottest technology, entrepreneurship and innovation event in 2010. Early-Bird registrations for Net Prophet 2010 are now open!

Failing to take advantage of this opportunity may result in serious regret, as space will be in short supply when the official registrations open and further details about the event are revealed.

We are only offering 100 Early Bird spots to those who are quick on the draw – so tell only your closest friends and colleagues. Attendance is still FREE (thanks to generous support from our sponsors) – but only delegates that register officially via our website will be allowed access.

This is your chance to get in early before the masses. Click here to grab your early bird registration!

–> UPDATE <–

Early Bird registration is now full.

Old Mutual sponsors Net Prophet 2010

Tim — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:47:26 +0000

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Old Mutual has come on board as our platinum (top tier) sponsor for 2010, showing their support of the Net Prophet vision:

“Free access to enabling knowledge is the true killer app. As platinum sponsor of Net Prophet 2010 we are proud to be associated with an event that makes it possible.”
- Jack Kruger, Head: Digital, Old Mutual

Old Mutual’s strong entrepreneurial spirit can be traced back to 1845, when the company was founded by John Fairbairn – without initial capital other than the premiums of its first 166 policyholders. Today, Old Mutual services the savings and investment needs of millions of South Africans, is listed on the FTSE 100, and operates in 38 countries.

Faithful to its roots, the company continues to foster entrepreneurship via skills training and small business support – providing opportunities for integrating marginalised South Africans into the mainstream economy. It further remains dedicated to its responsibilities as a good corporate citizen, actively investing in our communities and natural environment. In 2008, Old Mutual contributed R38.8m to deserving events, causes and hands-on initiatives.

Date Announced for Net Prophet 2010

Tim — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:46:39 +0000

With 2009 coming to a close, preparations for Net Prophet 2010 are in full swing. Next year’s event promises to be something quite spectacular, building on the success of this year and the excitement amid the build up to hosting the World Cup Soccer.

We can’t give away all our plans just yet, but we can tell you that Net Prophet 2010 will dwarf our 2009 event with a showcase of new prophets, appearances from previous prophets, an after-party of epic proportions and some interesting surprises along the way…

Thursday the 13th May is the official date for Net Prophet 2010. Diarize it. Sync it with your smart phone. Etch 13/05/2010 into your desk if you must – the date has been set!

The conference will once again take place at the magnificent Old Mutual business school, Pinelands, Cape Town. All details regarding registration, speakers (prophets), times etc will follow in due course. Stay in touch by subscribing to our mailing list, or follow us on twitter.

Net Prophet Podcasts Available on iTunes

Tim — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:27:29 +0000

All Podcasts from Net Prophet are now available for your convenience on iTunes!

You can find them by searching the iTunes store, or by clicking here.

Special thanks to Wordsource

Tim — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:07:26 +0000

Now that the Net Prophet video material has been uploaded, we’d like to officially credit Jaco @ Wordsource for providing on-the-day video equipment and services. He sponsored his time, and for this we’d like to thank him. For more information, visit www.wordsource.co.za

Charl Norman @ Net Prophet 2009

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:31:55 +0000

Charl Norman is an internet entrepreneur and blogger currently holding the position as Operations Manager (Co-Founder) for Blueworld Communities.

Charl has 8 years of online publishing experience and started his first website while still in high school. Charl was also runner up for ICT Young Entrepreneur of Africa 2008 and nominated for Top 30 entrepreneurs under 30 in Africa.

His presentation is entitled: ‘Market, Manage and Monetise your blog’.

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-9.mp3[/podcast]

Andrew Smith @ Net Prophet

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:28:57 +0000

Andrew is the operations and technical whizz-kid at Live Alchemy, a cutting edge e-commerce development company that specializes in aiding businesses make the transition towards transacting online. Live Alchemy’s flagship project is Yuppiechef, an award-winning online premium kitchen tools store.

His presentation was entitled ‘eCommerce is not about Technology’.

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-8.mp3[/podcast]

Hannes van Rensburg @ Net Prophet 2009

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:25:43 +0000

Van Rensburg is a founding member of Fundamo. Prior to the formation of Fundamo, he was the CIO of the Sanlam Group, a past board member of a number of IT-related companies, and has also performed the role of IT consultant to many major South African corporations.

His presentation is entitled: ‘Opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to the mobile web’.

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-7.mp3[/podcast]

Mike Stopforth @ Net Prophet 2009

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 13:22:20 +0000

Mike Stopforth is an entrepreneur, writer and speaker who helps companies extract value from Web 2.0* trends and technologies to create smarter, more profitable businesses.

He heads up Cerebra, South Africa’s leading social media company (the sister company of Brandsh Media), which enjoys relationships with local and global brands.

His presentation is entitled: ‘Harnessing the social Web’.

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-6.mp3[/podcast]

Dave Duarte@ Net Prophet 2009

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:47:43 +0000

Dave Duarte is a internet and mobile marketing specialist, and holds several senior positions in the academic, commercial, and non-profit sectors. He is also partner at the highly respected training and consultancy company Huddlemind Labs.

His Presentation is entitled: ‘Integrating web & mobile into your marketing mix’.

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-5.mp3[/podcast]

Henk Kleynhans @ Net Prophet 2009

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:43:58 +0000

Henk is a computer scientist and Internet junkie turned social entrepreneur. He founded Skyrove, which enables anyone to set up a WiFi Hotspot and earn an income by sharing their internet access with their neighbours. Through its community, Skyrove is today Africa’s largest and fastest-growing WiFi hotspot network!

His Presentation is entitled: ‘Lifting the Venture Capital Skirt’.

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-4.mp3[/podcast]

Herman Heunis @ Net Prophet 2009

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:32:52 +0000

Herman is founder and CEO of mobile IM giant MXit – a free instant messaging service with a community of 11+ million registered users and growth rate of between 15,000 and 20,000 per day globally.

His presentation is entitled ‘Mxit, The Past Present and Future’.

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-3.mp3[/podcast]

Peter Flynn @ Net Prophet 2009

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:29:21 +0000

Peter Flynn is a successful web entrepreneur, co-founder and currently Managing Director of award winning Web Application Development company White Wall Web. He is a thought leader on the subject of Software as a Service and is the author of the blog/e-book SaaSPert (www.saaspert.com). Peter is also a non-executive director of several other tech companies. He presented on ‘Software as a Service’

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-2.mp3[/podcast]

Arthur Goldstuck @ Net Prophet 2009

Tim — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:24:28 +0000

Arthur Goldstuck is an award-winning writer, analyst and commentator on Internet, mobile and business and consumer technologies. He heads up the World Wide Worx research organisation and is the authority on technology trends that are shaping business strategy, consumer use of technology, and the social landscape of the future in South Africa.

Here is his presentation on ‘Why the Digital is going good in bad times’.

Raw video footage kindly sponsored and provided by Wordsource.

Presentation Slides:

[podcast]http://audio.rampgroup.co.za/Podcasts/np2009-1.mp3[/podcast]