develoPPP Ventures connects Tanzania’s startup ecosystem ahead of new funding round

The develoPPP Ventures Investors Mixer recently brought together Tanzania’s expanding startup community for an inspiring evening of connection and collaboration. This exclusive gathering united key players from across the ecosystem, including investors, development finance institutions (DFIs), development partners, startup enablers, financial institutions, and ventures currently raising capital.

First impressions at the develoPPP Ventures investor mixer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Building on the due diligence progress

The strategic networking event followed comprehensive due diligence visits to Tanzanian startups that have been progressing through various phases of the develoPPP Ventures program from Cohort 8. These visits were conducted by members of the DEG Impulse team, VC4A and Ennovate Ventures – the local ecosystem partner providing critical implementation support in Tanzania. The startups who were chosen represent the innovative potential that the program aims to nurture through its structured support and catalytic funding approach.

Anticipating the next funding opportunity

While applications are not currently open, the develoPPP Ventures program is preparing to launch its Q2/2025 call for applications in May. This upcoming funding round will offer €100,000 in catalytic financing to eligible startups across Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.

develoPPP Ventures, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by DEG Impulse, operates with implementation support from VC4A and Ennovate Ventures in Tanzania. It specifically targets young companies whose innovative business models create sustainable economic, ecological, or social impact.

What to expect in the upcoming call

When the application window opens in May (running until June 30), startups will need to meet several eligibility criteria to qualify for the catalytic funding of €100,000. These include:

• Be privately owned and profit-oriented
• Have achieved proof of concept
• Possess a viable business and financial plan
• Provide at least one annual financial statement
• Demonstrate ability to attract other investors
• Not have acquired more than €2 million in funding to date
• Show high growth potential with a path to break-even within three years
• Be registered in the target country or have plans to register prior to investment

The program operates through a catalytic matching-funds model and places particular emphasis on supporting women-led startups and ventures promoting gender equality.

Networking roundtable with participants of develoPPP Ventures Cohort 8 at the investor mixer.

The power of ecosystem collaboration

The recent Investors Mixer exemplified the program’s commitment to not only providing financial resources but also facilitating vital network connections. The collaboration between DEG Impulse, VC4A, and Ennovate Ventures demonstrates how international expertise can be effectively combined with local knowledge to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems.

It was encouraging to see the increasing maturity of the market. I was particularly impressed by the sector diversity and the notable improvements in startup infrastructure, especially the foundational FinTech systems. It was also inspiring to experience the camaraderie among the develoPPP portfolio companies, which was clearly visible during the portfolio dinner.

– Abu Cassim, Acceleration Team Lead at VC4A.

Delegates in conversation at the investor mixer, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Preparing for the launch of Cohort 9 in May

While entrepreneurs must wait until May to submit their applications, interested startups can begin preparing their documentation and refining their business plans to align with the program’s requirements. The upcoming funding round represents a significant opportunity for early-stage companies in the five target countries to secure the capital needed to scale their operations and impact.

For comprehensive information on the program, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, entrepreneurs can visit https://www.developpp.de/en/funding-programme/startups/ and stay tuned for the official opening of the next call on May 15, 2025.