This week, we’ve curated a list of exciting opportunities for African startup founders! These programs should be explored if you are an African startup founder looking for funding to scale your business. Each program offers unique benefits that could help your business grow, ranging from equity investments and cash prizes to mentorship and technical support.
TechCircle PITCH2WIN Competition
In a bid to help bubble up early-stage startups and founders in the ecosystem sector, Nigeria-based tech-enabled builder TechCircle has announced the 3rd edition of its flagship startup competition, PITCH2WIN.
In the past, the firm has invested over $200 million in African startups such as Reliance Health, Paystack and Gokada among others. Therefore, this year’s edition will not be an exception as it will enable interesting startups to compete to win a prize – $10,000 in raw cash.
Benefits: Up to $20,000 equity-free cash prizes, to be won by the top three participants, advisory, mentorship and access to investors, high quality networking and collaborative engagements.
Application deadline: June 14, 2023
Learn more about the opportunity here.
The WFF Startup Innovation Awards
The WFF Startup Innovation Awards, powered by Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) are a global startup competition established to support and showcase innovators and entrepreneurs who are harnessing the power of technology to drive the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems in support of ending global hunger and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Made possible through a strategic partnership with XTC, the world’s largest startup competition for entrepreneurs addressing global challenges, these awards aim to elevate the next generation of entrepreneurs who are creating new technologies and innovations to benefit our planet and the agrifood systems we need to thrive.
Application deadline: June 15, 2023
Learn more about the programme here.
Sanlam Bridge Programme 2023
Sanlam Namibia, in collaboration with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, is calling young aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to apply for the 2023 Sanlam Bridge Programme, a launchpad for future business leaders.
This programme is intended for future entrepreneurs who either already have a registered business not older than one year or have a feasible business idea but lack the financial resources they require to grow their business or turn their ideas into reality.
Benefits: Up to N$50,000 in seed capital, training and mentorship.
Application deadline: June 19, 2023
The Legatum Foundry Fellowship
The Foundry Fellowship is a six-month, transformative experience for accomplished entrepreneurs who are committed to leading the acceleration and interconnection of Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
The fellowship is designed for entrepreneurial leaders who seek to catalyze systems transformation and inclusive growth across Africa. Applicants choose to apply to the fellowship for the following reasons: 1) they have had success in scaling an innovation-driven business, 2) are at an inflection point in their leadership journeys, and 3) want to identify ways to support the growth and evolution of the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems across Africa.
Benefits: Personal leadership seminars, coursework with MIT faculty, and experiential tours of four innovation ecosystems.
Application deadline: July 7, 2023
Find out more about the fellowship here.
HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator
HudsonAlpha AgTech Powered by gener8tor leverages HudsonAlpha’s deep experience in agriscience; specifically agriculture genomics, plant breeding and crop diversity; with gener8tor’s national network of mentors and investors, and Huntsville’s innate strengths as a technology hub. The program invests in the best and brightest startups tackling the challenges of sustainably feeding and powering a growing planet.
To date, gener8tor’s roughly 1,000 alumni have cumulatively raised more than $1.2B in follow-on financing. Applications are welcome from startups headquartered anywhere in the world and innovating in any area of agriculture.
Benefits: $100,000 cash investment, weekly cohort programming, up to $1M+ in deals & perks, mentorship, coaching & one-on-one meetings, office space.
Application deadline: July 21, 2023
Learn more about the accelerator programme here.
Do not forget to go through our previous posts for more opportunities to help your startup thrive.
