In Partnership with African Impact Initiative and Ingressive Capital

Launchpad by Founders Connect


Pitch your startup for a chance to win a $2500 cash grant, an additional $10,000 investment and unlock exclusive perks.

Apply here
Supported by
Kenya deadline: 28TH FEBRUARY 2025
Nigeria deadline: 15th March 2025

The Launchpad by Founders Connect is an exclusive platform

where early-stage founders get a chance to showcase their ideas, secure funding, and gain the resources they need to scale.

This is a Pitch2Win competition organised by Founders Connect for early-stage founders across Africa (starting from Kenya & Nigeria) get a chance to showcase their ideas, secure funding, and gain the resources they need to grow.
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Our superpower is providing startups with visibility and strategic introducitons they need to get to the next level. The grant is a bonus.

Apply hereApply here
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.
1st Place
$6,000
2nd Place
$3,000
3rd Place
$1,000

Who can apply?

Ambitious and passionate builders ready to take their startups to the next level. This application is open to all industries, with a special interest in women-led startups.

Other Perks

  • $25k-fee free processing on Paystack.
  • One year free Intercom pro subscription and 50% off in year 2
  • 6 months free on Notion with unlimited AI - over $6,000 in savings!
  • Up to $10k in AWS credits
  • 6 months of free PR Services from Reneé PR

Eligibility Criteria

  • Startup must be less than 3 years old
  • Must be tech-enabled (not just a website)
  • Must have launched a product in the market 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

Timeline

Apply here

Kenya

Application closes:
1st March 2025
Shortlist top 20:
4th March 2025
Pitch Day (Semi-finals):
11th March 2025
Finale and Announcement:
15th March 2025

Judges

Florent
Nduwayezu

Investor, FP Capital

Judge

Christine
Namara

Partner, Africa Seed Fund, Flat6Labs

Judge

Alan
Mwangi

Entrepreneurship Development Manager, ALX Ventures

Judge

Ayobamigbe
Teriba

Program Lead, VC4A

Consultant

Nigeria

Finale and Announcement:
15th March 2025
Shortlisted startups will pitch live at The Launchpad semi-finals and finals in Lagos (Nigeria) and Nairobi (Kenya).
Apply here

Proudly Supported by:

Learn about 2024 Edition here

FAQs

We tried to answer all your burning questions.

Can startups from outside of Nigeria and Kenya apply?

Yes, startups from outside of Nigeria and Kenya can apply, but they must be designed to address specific needs, challenges, or opportunities within African markets, and if shortlisted, at least one member of the founding team must be available to pitch in person at the semi-finals and finals in Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya

How did Founders Connect begin?

We started as a YouTube show featuring hour-long interviews with key African founders and talents who share their stories, from childhood to getting into tech and all the lessons they have learned in thier journey. But we have now evolved to be more than a YouTube show; we have become a thriving community with events and online engagements.

How can I participate?

Good question. Please subscribe to your YouTube or podcast channels, attend any of our events, and, more importantly, join the online community for exclusive AMAs, global chapter mixers, growth programs and more.

What does partnership look like?

We have many partnership opportunities: You could feature on the show, sponsor an event in any of our cities, partner to curate a growth program, host a webinar, and so much more. Please contact event@foundersconnect.xyz.

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out

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