From a $20 Hostel to the Boardroom: Dr. Rinos Mautsa Champions the Power of Networking
Event Alert: Young Founders Foundation | Date: May 29, 2026
"When you attend the right conferences—even on a thin budget—what you gain is priceless."
These are the words of Picco Construction CEO, Dr. Rinos Mautsa, as he reflects on his gritty early days in business ahead of the highly anticipated Young Founders Foundation Business Networking Night.
The Young Founders Foundation is set to host a transformative evening for entrepreneurs under 40. This black-tie event promises to unlock the rooms that ambitious founders are fighting to get into.
NETWORK LEARN CONNECT GROW
The Blueprint: Inside the Networking Night
Ahead of his speaking engagement at the event, Dr. Rinos Mautsa shared a powerful personal anecdote about what it takes to break into the corporate world.
Chasing Opportunities
“In 2010–2012, I was a young entrepreneur in my 20s... I was eager to learn and network. I’d board buses to South Africa and Zambia, just to attend industry events and conferences. At one point, I was staying in a $20 hostel in central Joburg - taking a train to Sandton for a conference—because I had a very thin budget and deep desire to learn.”
Dressing for the Destination
“Nobody knew where I was staying… but I wore a tie, a nice suit, smelling good and carried business cards. I blended in with established executives and business owners. And that conference opened doors for me.”
The Young Founders Foundation has curated an exceptional panel of speakers who have successfully navigated the challenging Zimbabwean economic terrain.
Dr. Rinos Mautsa
CEO, Picco Construction
A powerhouse in real estate, construction, and call center management, bringing years of bootstrap-to-boardroom experience.
Lance Mambondiani
Group CEO, Coronation Financial Holdings
A visionary in the banking and fintech sector, known for driving digital transformation across major financial institutions.
Nyaradzo Dhliwayo Moyo
Founder & CEO, Yanaya Lifestyle
Pioneer of Zimbabwe's premier healthy food chain, turning a passion for wellness into commercial success.
Karen Gondo
Co-Founder & CEO, Image Magic Corporate
An expert in corporate branding, imaging, and positioning businesses for maximum market impact.
Learnmore Tavengwa
Founder, Young Founders Foundation
The visionary behind the movement, dedicated to creating platforms that elevate the next generation of business leaders.
"The organizers are focused on impact not just money, and they’re doing something meaningful for young entrepreneurs under the age of 40," notes Dr. Mautsa.
Come Prepared
Dress Code: Strictly Black Tie.
What to Bring: Come prepared with your questions and a stack of business cards. As Dr. Mautsa's story proves, preparation meets opportunity in these rooms.
Secure Your Seat at the Table
"The lessons. The mentors. The contacts. The opportunities. What you gain from the right room is priceless."
Early Registration: $30 USD
May Registration: $40 USD
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure quality networking. For partnerships and exhibitions, or to secure your early bird ticket, contact the team below.
