Launchpad by Founders Connect

Bridging the gap between the ecosystem and its people

Call For Applications: Founders Connect Pitch2Win For Early-Stage Startups in Nigeria & Kenya – Up to $2,500 equity-free grant with $10,000 investment from African Impact Initiative.

Launchpad Africa by Founders Connect is expanding to Kenya while making a return to Nigeria in 2025, giving ambitious entrepreneurs and early-stage startups a chance to pitch their startups, secure funding, and unlock exclusive resources to scale their businesses. This year, $2,500 in equity-free grant funding is up for grabs with exclusive perks designed to take your startup to the next level. In addition, there is an opportunity to pitch to investors like Ingressive Capital and get up to $10,000 investment from African Impact Initiative.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to all industries, with a special interest in women-led startups and AI-driven products.

Eligibility Criteria

Startup must be less than 3 years old
Must be tech-enabled (more than just a website)
Must have launched a product with demonstrable traction (active users and/or revenue)
Must have raised less than $1M in outside capital
Must have high growth potential and scalability
Founding team must be available to pitch in person at the semi-final and final stages (Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya)
Startup should address specific needs, challenges, or opportunities within African markets
At least one founder must be committed full-time to the startup