Startupbootcamp AfriTech, the leading accelerator program focused on nurturing African startups, is thrilled to announce the opening of applications for Cohort 4 of its highly successful ASIP accelerator program. The program presents an exceptional opportunity for early-stage startups in Africa to supercharge their growth and gain invaluable industry insights, mentorship, and access to a global network of investors and corporate partners.
Africa is experiencing an unprecedented surge in technological innovation, as a wave of dynamic and ambitious tech startups are emerging across the continent. From bustling metropolises to remote rural communities, these startups are harnessing the power of technology to solve complex challenges and drive economic growth in diverse sectors. Since its inception, Startupbootcamp AfriTech has played a pivotal role in empowering African entrepreneurs and driving innovation across various industries. With a proven track record of success, the program has supported 60 startups since 2017.
Earlier this year, we witnessed history in the making as startups from our ASIP Accelerator got on stage to demo their innovations and traction to the world,”says Program Director Henry Ojuor. “With $4.5m worth of fundraise discussions and and tens of corporate pilots across the cohort, we’re back on the road in search of the next set of innovative entrepreneurs for ASIP Accelerator cohort 4.
“Amidst the vibrant rhythm of Africa’s untapped potential, we’ll be criss-crossing the entire continent seeking to scout, skill and scale the top promising innovators. We’re excited and looking forward to meeting you and can’t wait to help launch you into the moon!” he added.
The ASIP Program is supported by partners such as DER/FJ, the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), through MASSIF, the financial inclusion fund FMO manages on behalf of the Dutch government, AWS, Google for Startups, and Firstbase. ASIP aims to support the next generation of early-stage African tech startups disrupting key industry verticals. With an ever-expanding pool of entrepreneurial talent, supportive ecosystems, and increasing access to capital, Africa has become a hotbed for innovation and a fertile ground for startups to flourish.
“As a catalyst for the ecosystem, DER/FJ is committed to accompanying and supporting these promising start-ups,” says the General Delegate for Entrepreneurship – DER/FJ, Mame Aby Seye. “We firmly believe in their ability to transform industries, create added value and contribute to Senegal’s economic growth. We are putting our resources, expertise and network at their disposal to help them achieve their goals.”
Another notable partner FMO invests in inclusive business models and provides the expertise that startups need to improve their business operations while also providing broader support to facilitate a vibrant start-up environment in the regions where the program invests.
Speaking on this, FMO Partnerships for Impact Senior Associate Esther Njoroge said, “Following the success of the entreprenuers in Cohort 3, we are excited to once again partner with Startupbootcamp on Cohort 4 of the ASIP Accelerator and look forward to following the progress of the participating startups. The innovative and transformational business models this program supports helps build a more robust entrepreneurial ecosystem across the African continent in critical industries.”
The program is open to startups in various sectors, including but not limited to FinTech, InsureTech, AgriTech, Climate-tech, eCommerce, Digital Health, Green-Tech, Mobility, digitizing the informal economy and empowering artisans. The selection process will focus on startups with a minimum viable product (MVP), demonstrated market traction, and a strong founding team.
Once selected, participants will spend 3 months undergoing intensive coaching through expert-led masterclasses covering scaling fundamentals -from the business model canvas, and lean methodology, to fundraising. The program will take place in Senegal, culminating in a Demo Day where startup founders pitch their disruptive solutions to a broad audience of media, investors, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders.
Startups selected for the accelerator program will benefit from a comprehensive and tailored support system, including:
- Expert Mentorship: Access to a global network of industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and investors who will provide guidance and support in key areas such as business strategy, market expansion, and fundraising.
- Industry Connections: Opportunities to connect with leading corporations and potential partners within the program’s extensive network. These connections can lead to valuable collaborations, pilot projects, and distribution opportunities.
- Funding Opportunities: Access to investor networks and the chance to secure funding during the investor Demo Day, where startups can showcase their progress and pitch to a room filled with potential investors.
- Extensive Resources: Exclusive access to access to Startupbootcamp’s tailored coaching tool, the Accelerator Squared platform which has a complete library of content, group workshops, 1:1 mentoring, collaborative sessions with Entrepreneurs in Residence, and invite-only discussion forums with founders from around the globe. The 10 startups in the program will also receive benefits valued at more than USD 750,000, including credits from AWS, Google Cloud Services, and many more. SBC also invests USD 18,000 in cash.
- Alumni Network: Integration into the vibrant Startupbootcamp AfriTech alumni community, providing ongoing support, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration opportunities even after completing the program.
SBC Afritech will host FastTrack scouting events in countries that include Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Senegal, Uganda, Morocco, Cameroon, Tanzania, Rwanda and Egypt.
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 8 September 2023
- Final Selection Days: 18 October 2023
- Cohort 4 Start Date: 13 November 2023
To apply and learn more about the Startupbootcamp AfriTech Accelerator Program, visit the program page at ASIP Accelerator 2023 C4.
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 GMT 8 September 2023.