Cap40 fills network gap with French business in Cape Town

Cape Town - Cap40 is a social network, knowledge and resources exchange platform that aims at helping people to do business in the Western Cape and also help South Africans who want to work in France.

Cap40 was created in 2012 by five major French/South african companies. It organises about 20 events each year. The directors are Arnaud Dabancourt (Tristan Export); Christophe Viarnaud (Methys and French Tech CPT); Stephan Kacedan (African Eagle); and Sebastien Charrieras (XO Africa).

According to Baptiste Oberthur, spokesperson of Cap40, it is a free to access community focused on the links between French business and the Western Cape.

"This is a very dynamic hub of connection and knowledge resources. On this platform, both South African and French companies are able to share ideas and information to encourage business results," Oberthur told Fin24.

"We think the French business community in Cape Town can grow very substantially in the technology, tourism, wine, energy and retail sectors, which are traditionally strong. That would mean attracting, developing and retaining French talent via improving the fluidity of opportunity - internship, jobs, projects and business - across the community."

Via the Cap40 website businesses can learn about French, South African and international entrepreneurs of Cape Town.

"You can use contacts to run your own business or invest in the Western Cape. You can chat about the places and events to in Cape Town. You can find jobs and internship opportunities in South Africa. You can find internship and jobs opportunities in France for South Africans. You can also belong to special interest groups within the community," said Oberthur.

Cap40 was, for instance, the main founder of the French Tech Labs in Cape Town, wich aims to build a bridge between the French and South African tech eco-system.

"Cap40 fills the need for networking, meeting people from your community, finding job opportunities, expanding your business, meeting French people and French businesses," said Oberthur.