SA startup Excel@Uni is solving the problem of alarming student dropout rates

Less than half of South African university students complete their degrees, a stark contrast to the 30% rate seen in OECD countries. However, Excel@Uni, a pioneering South African startup, is determined to change this trend. Focused on keeping students on track throughout their academic journey and preparing them for the workplace, the company has recently received recognition from Google as a recipient of the 2023 Google for Startups Black Founders Fund. Co-founder, Lungelo Gumede, told Biznews that Excel@Uni has achieved remarkable results, boasting an impressive success rate of 90% for their students in a pilot programme, with certain years recording zero drop-outs. Gumede said that black founders often found it difficult to secure investors, but Excel@Uni adapted their business model and managed to make it more attractive for their preferred investor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices