Open Startup, a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, has launched a new cohort for its investment preparation program, GROW. This initiative is designed to support advanced African start-ups in scaling their businesses and securing financing. Building on the success of the previous year’s cohort, which guided 13 start-ups selected from over 600 applications, GROW continues its mission to assist African start-ups in achieving significant growth.
The GROW program is a 12-month investment preparedness initiative tailored for African start-ups that have already raised up to $350,000 and are aiming to secure their first $1 million. In partnership with AfricaGrow, Africinvest Group, BPI France, and Go Ventures, the program offers a robust suite of tools and support services to help start-ups expand into new markets and reach their growth objectives.
Key benefits of the GROW program include personalized business assessment workshops, one-on-one meetings, and world-class coaching to assist with fundraising efforts. Participants also gain access to a broad network of individual and institutional investors, regional exposure through financial support for international ecosystem events, and talent fellowship opportunities for hiring top talent.
The program further provides technical assistance to optimize IT systems, intellectual property, code quality, and data security. Additionally, start-ups become part of a vibrant and diverse community, gaining valuable insights and connections to drive their success.
Eligibility for the GROW program includes seed-stage start-ups operational for less than four years, with 2-4 co-founders, including at least one African co-founder. The start-ups must be operating in or impacting Africa, have a strong team with proven execution capacity, and have raised up to $350,000 while seeking to raise $1 million.
Applications for the GROW program are now open. Interested start-ups can apply via the provided link by August 31st. This program represents a significant opportunity for African entrepreneurs looking to accelerate their growth and secure vital investment.
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