Early-Stage Investment Opportunities

Restart Catalyst Opes-LCEF

Targeting businesses in Eastern Africa focused on social impact, this programme offers mentorship and $120k-$250k in prize money per company. Whether your idea tackles energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, gender equality, or cleantech solutions, they’ve got you covered.

Success Stories:

Kilimo Fresh Foods Africa LTD received $75k in direct funding.
Alumni companies secured an additional $35k from renowned investors like SeedStars and THE TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION.

Eligibility:

Located in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, or Uganda.
Idea, prototype, user base, or paying users stage.
Angel, Pre-seed, or Seed funding stage.

In response to the economic challenges brought on by Covid-19, OPES LCEF provided crucial support to East African social impact businesses through the Restart East Africa initiative.

This program offered a lifeline to struggling companies in four key sectors: clean energy, sustainable agriculture, education/skilling, and mobility/transportation.

The financial assistance wasn’t a traditional loan, but rather a combination of patient capital flexible repayment terms and recoverable grants structured as 0% interest loans.

These grants could be repaid over a timeline of up to 5 years, with the specific timeframe adjusted to fit the unique needs and business model of each company. The program offered impactful businesses financial support with a focus on long-term sustainability.

A Guide to Top Accelerators in Nigeria

Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/restart-catalyst-opes-lcef/apply

Mobile Innovation Powerhouse: 88mph Accelerator Programme

Calling all mobile-focused entrepreneurs. 88mph Accelerator Programme is your launchpad to success. They invest up to $24,000 per startup, taking a 6% equity stake.

What Sets Them Apart:

Extensive Network: Gain immediate access to Africa’s booming markets through hubs in Nairobi and Cape Town, with partnerships extending to seven additional hubs across the continent.
Collaborative Environment: This intensive 3-month programme promotes a competitive spirit where startups learn from each other and leverage a vast network of mentors and industry professionals.

Success Stories:

Peach Payments and Byte Money received $53.6k in direct funding.
Alumni secured investments from Techstars Global.

Eligibility:

Mobile-focused business targeting the African market.

Apply Here:https://www.f6s.com/88mph/apply

Beyond Funding: Centum Entrepreneurship Programme

This programme by the Centum Foundation goes beyond just funding. They offer up to $150k per company with a flexible equity stake (0-10%) and equip entrepreneurs with valuable business development tools.

Focus on Kenyan Innovation:

Open to companies based in Kenya or elsewhere in Africa.
Seeking innovative SMMEs (Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) with disruptive solutions.

Programme Highlights:

8-week training and mentorship programme.
Opportunity to pitch your business idea to a panel of judges for funding.
Continued monitoring and support for funded businesses.

Eligibility:

Kenyan or African company.

Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/centumfoundationapplication/apply or visit www.centumfoundation.org for more information.

Cultivating Solutions: Fie_Labs Innovation Hub

Fie_Labs is a hub specifically designed to nurture next-generation innovators. They offer incubation support and $50k per team in exchange for a 10% equity stake.

Focus Areas:

Agribusiness, Healthcare, E-commerce, Emerging Technologies, and Energy & Cleantech.
Open to companies based in Kenya or elsewhere in Africa.

Mission-Driven Approach:

Identify and support solutions tackling pressing social and economic challenges.
Propel Africa towards the 5th industrial revolution.

Network International and J.P. Morgan Payments Partner to Drive South African E-commerce

Eligibility:

Kenyan or African company.

Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/fielabsinnovationhub/apply

Launching Your Tech Dream: TechBridge Incubation Plus Programme

TechBridge offers a 3-month incubation programme with mentorship and customised training to help you refine your business model and launch your tech solution.

Open to Early Stage Startups:

Idea, prototype, or user stage.
Angel or pre-seed funding stage.
Located in Kenya or elsewhere in Africa.

Programme Benefits:

Validate your business concept.
Access pre-seed funding to kickstart your venture.

Success Stories:

TechBridgeHub directly funded SUNami Solar Kenya Limited, Brance Technologies, and 39 other companies with a total of $3.8 million.
Alumni secured an additional $21k from investors like FrontEnd Ventures and FoundersBoost.

Eligibility:

Kenyan or African company with a viable tech solution prototype.

Apply Here: https://www.f6s.com/incubation-plus-program-2023/apply

Each programme offers unique benefits and eligibility criteria. So do your research, identify the programme that best aligns with your venture’s needs, and take the first step towards turning your innovative idea into a thriving business.

Launch Africa Ventures

Launch Africa Ventures, an Early-stage VC firm, has invested US$4.3 million in 16 startups across Africa as part of its second fund. This follows the success of its first fund, which made 133 investments.

The firm, founded in 2020, aims to support African technology-driven ventures and has invested in startups across 11 African countries, with a focus on founder diversity and market potential. Notably, two Kenyan startups, Logistify and Octavia Carbon, have secured funding from Launch Africa Ventures.

Visit their website to discuss your interest and make your pitch.