In a dynamic move aimed at nurturing innovation and bolstering the startup ecosystem in Nigeria, Innovest Afrika proudly announces the launch of its inaugural accelerator program. Crafted in collaboration with Techpoint Africa, the Innovest Ignite Lagos accelerator sets out to empower Nigerian startup founders by furnishing them with the mentorship, global networks, and crucial funding necessary to catalyze impactful ventures.
Under the visionary leadership of Femi Moito, Innovest Afrika, headquartered in Houston, Texas, sets forth an ambitious goal to accelerate 5,000 African-founded startups by the year 2030. This partnership with Techpoint Africa underscores the latter’s unwavering dedication to amplifying narratives of innovation across the African continent.
“I believe this is an exciting time for the African ecosystem globally. Many will say it is the burst period, but I think it is particularly interesting as the best shine brightest in these times. African founders have historically been underrepresented when it comes to VC funding. Nevertheless, there are many success stories of resilient founders building awesome companies, and this has brought attention to the African startup ecosystem. This accelerator is very targeted to reach the best founders and startups with a singular focus on giving them a bigger chance at long-term success and sustainability,” Moito articulates.
The Innovest Ignite Lagos accelerator unfurls as a fully remote six-week program culminating in a high-impact demo day in Lagos. During this pivotal event, founders will pitch their startups to a curated audience comprising global investors and strategic partners.
This accelerator program extends an open invitation to early-stage startups across all sectors. Founders of African descent domiciled in Nigeria are eligible to apply, with startups from various regions of Nigeria strongly encouraged to seize this opportunity.
From the applicant pool, a minimum of ten startups will be handpicked for this cohort, with the top quartile poised to secure up to $20,000 in equity funding. Selected startups will gain access to a comprehensive learning curriculum encompassing pivotal subjects essential for startup growth.
Sessions will be expertly facilitated by seasoned professionals, including industry experts and seasoned founders, hailing from diverse corners of the globe. This ensures that founders are armed with the requisite knowledge and tools to foster enduring enterprises. Following the conclusion of the program, founders will continue to benefit from ongoing support from Innovest Afrika, spanning investor introductions, business development, and recruitment assistance.
The quintessential founder for this program boasts profound expertise or insights within their respective sector, coupled with tangible traction and a focus on either a vast or rapidly expanding market. Furthermore, the ideal startup endeavors to address one or more of the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals, embodying a commitment to driving positive societal change.
Interested startups are encouraged to submit their applications using this link.
Source: Techpoint