Applications open for the Innovest Ignite Accelerator Program
Innovest Ignite Accelerator is an intensive 8-week program conducted entirely online, specifically designed for pre-seed and seed stage startups that possess the potential to transform their local markets through innovative business models. This accelerator welcomes all startups within the designated host region, irrespective of their industry or business approach. Each cohort accommodates between 10 to 20 startups, culminating in a live Demo Day event where all participating startups will present their pitches in the host region.
Through Innovest Ignite Accelerator program, we equip founders with essential entrepreneurial training, critical resources, mentorship, continuous support, and access to funding opportunities. Our mission is to empower these entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to expand their businesses and capitalize on opportunities within their local economies.
Our network of mentors and partners comprises a diverse array of industry specialists, successful founders, and global investors who are not only enthusiastic about innovation but are also dedicated to enhancing the value of startups founded in Africa.
PROGRAM DETAILS – Innovest Ignite Accelerator
- Cost: The accelerator program is free for all participating founders.
- Stage: Best for early-stage startups (pre-seed or seed stages) with a team; we don’t work with solo-founders.
- Commitment: 8-week of a fully virtual delivered program.
- Business Model / Technology: Most programs are industry and business model-agnostic. All startups are welcome to apply but must be solving for one of the UN SDGs.
- Cohort Size: For maximum effectiveness 10-20 startups will be accepted per cohort based the program specifics.
- Delivery: Experienced founders and industry experts will facilitate sessions, delivering on a curriculum designed for an experiential learning experience. Sessions include pitching, product/market fit, business and revenue models, building a team, and scaling business operations.
- Mentor and Investor Sessions: Participants will have several 1-1 sessions with mentors and investors to provide expert insights and generate investor interest.
- Demo-Day: All startups will pitch to an audience of investors and other ecosystem partners at the Innovest Afrika Demo-Day event.
- Funding: Innovest Afrika Innovation Fund invests in the top of the cohort. We invest up to 50,000 USD for equity.
- Post Accelerator Support: All graduating participants gain automatic membership into the Innovest Afrika Alumni community, consisting of peers, mentors and investors to enhance long-term success and impact.
- Other benefits of participating in the program include: Enjoy subsidies offered by our strategic partners (legal, financial, and technology) and get access to board and governance support, continued mentorship and coaching, advanced workshops and trainings, and networking opportunities.
- We are excited to work with founders who are teachable, value feedback, and understand collaboration as a process of growing their ventures and taking it to the next level. If that sounds like you, we may be a perfect match.
- Apply for Innovest Ignite Accelerator Cohort 2, Abuja Edition.
- Deadline is September 17, 2024
