East Africa / Kenya - Accelerators

Accelerator

Village Capital

Africa's innovation economy is booming. There are now more than 500 incubators and accelerators on the continent that are helping startups solve problems around financial inclusion, healthcare, and education. Our Nairobi office is leading accelerators as well as initiatives around talent and entrepreneur support. Village Capital is a company that helps early-stage entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses. They focus on businesses that provide solutions for social, economic, and environmental challenges. Village Capital supports startups across various sectors, and they have a lot of experience - having run over 150 accelerators. They provide unique tools to founders to help increase their efficiency, sustainability, impact, and inclusiveness.

Accelerator

AWS FinTech Africa Accelerator

The AWS FinTech Africa Accelerator is a virtual, equity-free 10-week program that leverages the best of Amazon's infrastructure and partner network to support pre-seed and seed stage FinTech startups developing their projects in Africa and beyond in the following categories: - Open & Embedded Finance - Big Data & AIML - Blockchain & Decentralised Finance - FinTech-as-a-service - Financial inclusion & Sustainability The Accelerator gives high-potential seed-stage fintech companies the specialized mentorship, resources, and partnership opportunities they need to better leverage AI, innovate financial services, and meet new customer demands—all while creating powerful solutions in the cloud. AWS FinTech Africa Accelerator trains chief executive and chief technology officers in strategy, tech team management, product development, and helps founders prepare for navigating the complexities of fundraising. Amazon does not take equity or debt in the companies. Startups that are selected will join AWS’ Activate program which provides founders with up to $25,000 in Activate Credits, and other services. Founders will also participate in workshops and one-on-one sessions with industry experts to address specific challenges their company faces.

Accelerator

TLcom Capital

Since 1999 tlcom has supported innovative entrepreneurs that leverage technology to find market solutions to significant challenges. They are resilient and creative, critical thinkers with a superior capability to articulate and execute innovative business models. Tech entrepreneurs are building the future by transforming traditional industries and creating new industries– a task that cannot be done alone. We partner with entrepreneurs BY MOBILIZING our resources – capital, expertise, networks - to increase the odds of success IN THE PURSUIT OF MAJOR ECONOMIC UPSIDE. TLcom has managed in excess of $300m and is currently investing from its TIDE Africa Fund, which invests in early to growth stage companies in Sub Saharan AFRICA. We support entrepreneurs who are building fast growth tech enabled businesses solving some of the most complex challenges the continent is faced with. We invest between $500k and $10m in a company.

Accelerator

Novastar

We founded Novastar to join and fuel an entrepreneurial revolution that is transforming markets and sectors in Africa. Together, we aim to create lasting value for the many, not just the few, for people and planet – for good. Working from the vibrant centres of Lagos, London and Nairobi we partner with the bold entrepreneurs forging solutions to the continent’s biggest problems. These are the companies that will become the truly valuable enterprises of the future. We see in Africa an unmatched opportunity to reimagine industries in ways that signal a new, sustainable, inclusive development path for the world. We aren’t interested in incremental solutions to marginal problems and inconveniences for the wealthiest 10% of the population. The entrepreneurs we back, like us, are obsessed with serving the basic needs of everyday consumers; understanding their lifestyles, the friction that slows them down, the tools that lift them up, and the informal markets where they live, work and shop. We don’t invest in lookalike business models. Plug-and-play tech solutions that address a single problem rarely work in a context where so many value chains are broken. While we learn from developed markets and adapt technology to power new solutions, our job is to understand the business models that work here. We approach our work seeking to be generous in our relationships and generative in our actions. Our core values comprise our foundational beliefs and guide our daily decisions and behaviors. As a small band with a bold vision, these values mirror those of the entrepreneurial teams who we partner with. We expect and invite all our stakeholders to hold us to them.

Accelerator

E3 Capital

E3 Capital is a leading investor in early stage companies developing innovative business models that are digitised, decentralised, and decarbonised. We are a young and diverse team, committed to the future of the low carbon economy. As one of the only majority-African partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a combined investment experience of 40 years, we are uniquely positioned to help companies grow and scale, without compromising sustainability. We partner with forward thinking entrepreneurs endeavoring to bridge the gap between climate transition and growth in emerging and frontier markets with energy as the enabler of these products and services. STRATEGIC THOUGHT PARTNER TO ENTREPRENEURS We are known for our capacity to anticipate trends and identify unique investment opportunities or ‘diamonds in the rough’, and help them scale. We are passionate about forward-looking entrepreneurs who want to drive change and make a difference. With us, entrepreneurs know that they will get more than just financial support; a partner who will work alongside them to build their growth strategy and also help them strive through more difficult times.

Accelerator

Samata Capital

Samata Capital LLC is dedicated to making private sector investments in early stage, scalable businesses in emerging markets that advance opportunities for women and promote gender diversity. With its first fund, Samata focuses on the dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems in East and West Africa targeting high-growth industry segments including agribusiness, consumer products, financial services, healthcare and technology. In addition to providing capital to fuel growth, Samata offers additional support through strategic partnerships to ensure entrepreneurs have access to business service networks, governance expertise, coaching and other advisory assistance they need to build sustainable businesses. Investment Approach Capital for Growth Bolstered by Integrated Support We invest in early stage, scalable businesses with innovative management teams building inclusive cultures that spur productivity and mitigate risk. In addition to capital to fuel expansion, we provide support to our investee companies through our team as well as strategic partnerships to ensure entrepreneurs have access to the expertise, coaching, and networks needed to grow sustainably. Geographic Focus We currently concentrate on countries in Anglophone East and West Africa with an emphasis on Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Nigeria and Ghana. Impact We will work with each of our companies to implement best practice Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards. In addition, our investments and the support we provide to companies will directly contribute to SDG 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Individual investments across different industry segments targeted by Samata will also impact other SDGs.

Accelerator

Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance

Harambeans are African innovators who have pledged “to work together as one” to unlock the potential of Africa. Over the last decade, Harambeans has spawned a series of tech-enabled ventures such as Andela, Flutterwave, and Yoco, which have collectively generated over 3000 jobs, raised over $1bn from Google Ventures, CRE Ventures and Accel. - We are an alliance of determined entrepreneurs who are building Africa’s future. - We are visionaries transforming Africa’s challenges into opportunities. - We are founders of businesses that create positive and scalable change, enabling Africa to reach its boundless potential. - We are innovators scaling ventures to unlock the full potential of our people. - We are signatories of the Harambe Declaration, who have pledged “to work together as one to fulfill the dream of our generation.” - We are visionaries who believe that “the Africa our generation desires can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible. It is ours.”

Accelerator

DOB Equity

We invest in businesses that positively contribute to a more social and sustainable society and deliver long-term profitability. We work with entrepreneurs to mitigate potential risks related to environmental, social and governance matters, whilst creating value and social impact for the company and its communities. We work from our offices in Kenya, Tanzania and The Netherlands. DOB Equity is an evergreen fund with all proceeds from investments being reinvested, making DOB Equity a true long-term growth partner for its portfolio companies. We provide mentoring and training, hands-on management support by two portfolio managers, technical assistance, access to a broad network, recruitment, support with fundraising etc

Accelerator

Zephyr Acorn

Zephyr Acorn is an investment and business building company focused on investing in and supporting early-stage technology-enabled companies primarily in East Africa. Zephyr Acorn invests in and actively supports innovative early-stage companies across sectors in East Africa that have the potential to scale across the continent and beyond. Fund Overview & Strategy Zephyr Acorn is an early-stage investor focused on technology-enabled startups in financial technology, logistics and agribusiness. We are typically a company's first institutional capital and seek to invest across the following themes: - Digitization of traditional business models - Use of technology to enhance productivity and deliver cost-effective products and services - Innovation in the distribution or delivery of products and services - Inclusion of new customer segments with new products and services We seek to partner with entrepreneurs who are passionate about a big idea, committed, adaptable, and coachable with strong execution skills and high integrity. Post-investment, we actively support portfolio companies in areas such as capital raise, finance and financial planning, strategy, recruitment, new market entry, and governance to help build the foundation for future growth.

Accelerator

Ascent Africa

We’re investing in experienced and ambitious entrepreneurs that have the courage and drive to grow a best in class enterprise and eventually set the bar for business standards in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. We are seasoned entrepreneurs with many endeavours under our belts in the East African region. When we invest in your enterprise, we’re not just infusing cash; we’re coming alongside you as a partner. This is a symbiotic relationship in the truest sense. We’re in this together. Growing Enterprises The Funds invest in entrepreneurs & enterprises with a proven track record. We’re looking for ambitious, entrepreneurial stand-out performers that are poised & ready to grow a “best in class” enterprise. A Diverse, Experienced Team The Ascent team is comprised of entrepreneurs from around the world. We have a long track record of entrepreneurial investments across Africa. We understand your drive, as well as your challenges. We’ve been there. Expanding Opportunities We have developed a wide range of entrepreneurial investments around the world, many of which were right here in East Africa. We understand the opportunities and the challenges of the entrepreneurial environment in this region

Accelerator

Land Accelerator Africa

In 2018, World Resources Institute (WRI) launched the Land Accelerator Africa, the world’s first training and mentorship program targeted specifically toward businesses that restore degraded forests, farmland and pasture. To support the AFR100 Initiative’s goal of restoring 100 million hectares of land by 2030, the Land Accelerator provides entrepreneurs across Africa with mentorship and networking opportunities, technical training and workshops to build up their storytelling and pitching skills. Participants leave the program more empowered to connect with potential investors so that they can take their business to the next stage of growth. The program has attracted nearly 1,400 applicants in Africa since 2018, and its 104 alumni from 34 countries report that they have created 11,200 jobs, worked with 56,000 farmers and restored 127,000 hectares. What does the program look like? In 2021, WRI and our partners at AFR100 and Fledge took a novel approach to the Land Accelerator Africa. We expanded the size of our cohort to the top 100 entrepreneurs from across the continent to join us for an all-virtual business accelerator. Restoration entrepreneurs were invited to apply from all sub-Saharan African countries, free of charge. The Top 100 benefited from: - 3 months of exclusive weekly trainings from experts. - 3 months of access to Fledge’s online lessons for start-ups. - Templates to create content to help your business thrive. - Weekly office hours with mentors who will lend their expertise. - Weekly networking sessions to speak with and learn from other entrepreneurs in your cohort. By the end of the program, entrepreneurs accessed the trainings and tools that they needed to complete: - A compelling one-minute pitch to hook investors, customers and potential partners. - A 10 to 12 slide pitch deck targeted toward investors. - An environmental indicator measurement, management and marketing plan. - A three- to five-year financial model to visualize their growth projections and to identify capital needs. - Increased confidence in their business’s mission and operations. The top 100 entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to apply for a Land Accelerator investment pack, which an expert panel awarded to the top entrepreneurs. Recipients of the investment packs benefited from: - An innovation grant of $5,000 or more. - A coaching meeting with a Land Accelerator organizer to develop an investment and innovation grant plan. - A 90-minute group session with members of the Land Accelerator mentor network, who provided tailored feedback. - A one-on-one call with a Land Accelerator mentor to provide feedback and a thorough review of all the materials submitted throughout the program. - The opportunity to present a three-minute business pitch at the virtual Land Accelerator Impact Days, a two-day event that brings together the awardees and investors from across the continent. - The opportunity to meet fellow entrepreneurs in-person for a week-long bootcamp in Nairobi, Kenya and learn from both leading entrepreneurs and trainers.

Accelerator

Africa Transformative Mobility Accelerator

The increase in urban population in African cities has resulted to diversification and an upsurge in transport needs. Both public transport and private car use have drastically risen resulting to road congestion and air pollution. This nonetheless, provides a huge opportunity to provide transformative urban mobility solutions that can offer more travel options, reduce the travel time, cost and risk, and provide comfort for its users. Africa Transformative Mobility Accelerator (ATMA) admitted 8 startups for the 2020/2021 cohort. The priority countries were Kenya and Uganda. Through a competitive process, the program aimed to admit transformative, practical, well researched and possibly tested solutions to urban mobility challenges in African Cities. During the six-month acceleration period, the startups will benefit in several ways, including but not limited to: - Participate in four startup immersion trips in East Africa (Kenya and Uganda for the 2020/2021 cohort) - Receive coaching and mentorship from local and international mobility and enterprise development experts - Network with mobility stakeholders, practitioners and enthusiasts in four separate sessions that will be organized in Nairobi and Kampala between November 2020 and March 2021 - Attend a series of planned seminars that will be facilitated by subject matter experts in relevant topics such as mobility; value proposition design & problem solution fit; business modeling & product/service market fit; customer acquisition; financial modeling and investor relations - Pitch their solutions to a selected and curated pool of investors during the Africa Transformative Mobility Summit on 28th May 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya - Receive a grant of up to $25,000 for the top startups during the mobility summit on 28th May 2021

Accelerator

Antler

Antler is a global early-stage VC enabling and investing in exceptional entrepreneurs. In Nairobi’s vibrant startup hub, we bring together entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to build defining companies of tomorrow. We work with individual founders with strong business and technical backgrounds and early-stage startups leveraging tech to tackle deep, relevant, and ambitious problem statements in Africa. For solo founders - Antler’s platform helps you find the right co-founder, validate your ideas, pitch for investment, access $350k+ in top-tier tech platform credits, and rapidly grow your startup to the point that normally takes years to achieve. For existing startups - Antler’s platform offers the opportunity to pitch for an investment in your current round, access to our global network of founders and advisors, and support in raising subsequent rounds.

Accelerator

The Baobab Network

Based in Nairobi, The Baobab Network is Africa’s leading start-up accelerator, providing early stage technology companies across the African continent with funding, support and a global, platform to scale their businesses. We run a world-class accelerator programme supporting Africa’s boldest innovators to scale homegrown solutions. Our accelerator programme is designed to give you the funding and platform you need to take your company global. We offer start-ups $25,000 USD in funding and a 3-month cohort program including personalised two-week consultation sessions with tailored support, in exchange for 10% equity. Our ventures team, work with our portfolio to accelerate growth, build capacity and unlock the next stages of funding to help companies scale.

Accelerator

Catalyst Fund Nairobi

Catalyst Fund is an accelerator that supports inclusive tech innovators in emerging markets. We support impact companies offering accessible, affordable and appropriate solutions, designed for underserved individuals and micro and small enterprises, and accelerate the local ecosystems around them. We offer bespoke venture building support, embedding our experts into the startup teams, to help them better understand their customers’ needs and preferences and gain their trust, develop robust technology foundations, reach product-market fit, communicate more effectively with their clients, raise investment and connect with partners who can help them scale. We leverage global expertise and local knowledge to craft and scale solutions, and catalyze innovation ecosystems, partnering with leading public, private and philanthropic organizations, for a more inclusive and sustainable planet.

Accelerator

GrowthAfrica

As GrowthAfrica, We are growth frontiers. We focus on growing successful enterprises business acceleration, strategic advice and access to investments. We are the business runway to success for local businesses seeking a platform for their business take-off and for international companies in need of a market landing space and growth hub. Entrepreneurs are at the centre of our attention and focus. The success of the entrepreneurs we work with is the best showcase of what we do and are achieving with and for our ventures. We deliver business growth that turns entrepreneurial ventures into successful, profitable companies. The aim is to create jobs and economic progress.

Accelerator

African Leadership Accelerator (ALX)

ALX is a career accelerator for young professionals that prepares and help them launch careers of impact. Gain the skills, experience and relationships that keep you ahead of the curve. Our programmes are designed to provide you with in-demand technology skills for the careers that power the world. With ALX’s best-in-class training, and our commitment to lifelong learning, we’ve created an unrivaled opportunity to prepare, launch and grow your career. Companies across the globe will continue to face crucial talent gaps over the next decade. ALX focuses on the in-demand, technology careers that support the kinds of digital transformation employers are required to make now and in the future.