Kenyan student makes it to GSEA finals thanks to her tech start-up

Wangechi Mwangi, a Kenyan student from Strathmore University, has made it to the finals of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) where she will pit her tech start-up, Valuraha Group, against 41 other finalist’s start-ups in a bid to win a $20,000 (Ksh 1,680,000) cash prize.

The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA), the premier competition for high school, undergraduate and graduate students running a business while still in school, today announced its list of the top student entrepreneurs in the world.

These “student startup CEOs” from 38 countries will compete at the 2015 GSEA Global Finals, produced by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and held at the Capital Hilton in Washington D.C. from April 15-17, 2015.

Besting more than 1500 competitors, the 41 finalists each run businesses across a wide range of industries including technology, consumer products, fashion, engineering, health, finance and many more.

The 2015 GSEA winner will receive $20,000 (Kshs 1,680,000) in cash for their startup, and gain access to the Entrepreneurs’ Organization’s global network of 10,000 business owners worldwide.

The GSEA is more than just a competition; it focuses on mentorship, support and encouragement for these student business owners. GSEA helps students grow their businesses and succeed in their countries, as well as learn from experienced entrepreneurs.

The GSEA also introduced a roster of influential judges, selected for their expertise and dedication to the cause of inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

During the Global Finals, students will present their businesses to more than 70 judges including journalists, EO members from across the globe, and local DC business owners.

Peter Thomas, a founding EO member will also be attending Global Finals. Thomas was one of the founders of Century 21 Real Estate Canada and Sterling Centrecorp Inc. Currently, Peter Thomas is the founder and Chairman of Thomas Pride International.

“Since its humble beginnings in 1998, GSEA has grown from a handful of participating countries to 38 this year, and we expect to see even more next year,” said Annush Ramasamy, GSEA chairman. “Even more impressive is the quality of these student entrepreneurs — not only are they gifted businesspeople, but they are truly dedicated to enhancing their communities around the world.”