Are you an early-stage founder in Africa looking for funding, mentorship, and a strong network to grow your business? Founders Connect Launchpad is giving startups the chance to secure up to $9,500 in funding, a $2,500 cash grant plus a $7,000 investment, along with exclusive perks to help scale their ventures.
What is the Founders Connect Launchpad?
The Founders Connect Launchpad is a Pitch2Win competition designed for early-stage startups in Nigeria and Kenya. It provides founders with an opportunity to showcase their ideas, secure funding, and access key resources needed for business growth.
The initiative is in partnership with African Impact Initiative and Ingressive Capital, with cash grants and investment opportunities aimed at supporting the next generation of African business leaders.
Funding and Investment Opportunities
Startups participating in the program stand to gain:
- $2,500 in equity-free grant funding
- Up to $7,000 in investment from African Impact Initiative
- Exclusive perks and support from top global companies
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to startups across all industries but is especially interested in women-led startups. To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Be less than 3 years old
- Be tech-enabled (beyond just having a website)
- Have a launched product with traction (active users and/or revenue)
- Have raised less than $1 million in outside funding
- Have high growth potential and scalability
- At least one founder must be committed full-time to the startup
- Be ready to pitch in person at semi-final and final events in Lagos (Nigeria) or Nairobi (Kenya)
- Address specific challenges or opportunities within African markets
Key Dates and Deadlines
Kenya
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Shortlist Announcement: March 4, 2025
- Semi-final Pitch Day: March 11, 2025
- Finale and Winner Announcement: March 15, 2025
Nigeria
- Application Deadline: April 16, 2025
Additional Perks for Founders
Apart from funding, selected startups will receive additional perks, including:
- $25,000 fee-free processing on Paystack
- One-year free Intercom Pro subscription (50% off in the second year)
- Six months of free PR services from Reneé PR
- Up to $10,000 in AWS credits
- Six months free on Notion with unlimited AI (over $6,000 in savings)
The Judges Panel
The competition boasts an impressive lineup of industry leaders who will serve as judges, including:
- Oluwadunni Fanibe (Program Manager, Google)
- Osarerin Obano (Executive Director, African Impact Initiative)
- Precious Oyelade (Founder, POV)
- Ayobamigbe Teriba (Program Lead, VC4A)
- Florent Nduwayezu (Investor, FP Capital)
- Christine Namara (Partner, Africa Seed Fund, Flat6Labs)
- Alan Mwangi (Entrepreneurship Development Manager, ALX Ventures)
Why Founders Should Apply
With financial backing, mentorship, and access to a network of investors, selected startups have the opportunity to take their businesses to new heights.
If you’re an ambitious founder looking for the right platform to showcase your startup, this is your chance to shine. Don’t miss out, apply before the deadlines and get ready to scale your business with the support of Founders Connect.
How to Apply
Click on this LINK to apply or Visit the official Founders Connect website to submit your application before the deadline.
