Accelerate Africa Program for Early Stage African Startups ($500,000)

Accelerate Africa is a premier accelerator program dedicated to supporting bold and visionary entrepreneurs across the continent. By focusing on Africa’s most pressing challenges, the program aims to transform innovative ideas into global businesses.

Program Overview:

• Duration: 8 weeks.
• Cohort Size: 10 founders per cohort.
• Support Areas:
  • Storytelling: Crafting compelling missions, visions, and impactful narratives.
  • Talent Acquisition: Building and leading high-performing teams.
  • Business Development: Strategizing paths to achieve the first million dollars in revenue.
  • Product Development: Creating indispensable products for customers.
  • Fundraising: Securing investments from leading global investors during demo days.

Key Benefits:

• Expert Guidance: Receive mentorship from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs, including program founders Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani, who have a proven track record in building and advising successful African startups.
• Comprehensive Workshops: Participate in specialized training sessions tailored to the unique needs of African founders.
• Investor Access: Connect with a network of over 75 investors during demo days, enhancing fundraising opportunities.
• Operational Support: Benefit from clinics and office hours addressing legal, financial, and technological needs.

Funding Opportunities:

Unlike traditional accelerators, Accelerate Africa does not provide funding or take equity upon admission. However, through their fund, Future Africa, and an extensive investor network, participants may secure pre-seed or seed-stage investments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 after the program, following a standard investment process.

Eligibility Criteria

Accelerate Africa seeks founders who:

• Are passionate about solving real problems, with a proven track record or demonstrable traction.
• Possess a deep understanding of their customers, viewing their venture as a lifelong mission.
• Have personal experience with the problem they aim to solve, driving them to build impactful businesses.

The program values diversity, with 40% of supported founders being women, ranging in age from their 20s to 60s, and representing over 10 African countries.

Visit our recently updated webpage to access more grants and funding opportunities

Application Process

• Application Deadline: January 7, 2025.
• Access the official webpage and start your application

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