Successful start-ups will have opportunities to connect with a wide network of individual and institutional investors.

Open Startup, a non-governmental organisation that promotes innovation and capacity building through entrepreneurship, has inaugurated the new cohort of its investment preparation program, GROW, which aims to help advanced African start-ups scale their businesses and get finance.

Building on the success of last year's cohort, which accompanied 13 start-ups chosen from over 600 applications, the GROW program continues its objective to assist African start-ups in their growth.

GROW is a 12-month investment preparedness program designed for African start-ups who have funded up to $350,000 and are aiming for their first $1 million.

Developed in conjunction with AfricaGrow, Africinvest Group, BPI France, and Go Ventures, the program provides a comprehensive suite of tools and support services to assist start-ups in expanding into new markets and meeting their growth objectives.

Program Benefits:

• Business Assessment: Curated workshops and personalized content focused on fundraising.

• Hands-on Support: One-on-one meetings, world-class coaching, and progress check-ins.

• Investor Access: Opportunities to connect with a wide network of individual and institutional investors.

• Regional Exposure: Financial support to participate in international ecosystem events.

• Talent Fellowship: Financial assistance to hire top talent.

• Community: Join a vibrant and diverse startup community.

• Technical Assistance: Expert guidance to optimize IT systems, intellectual property, code quality, and data security.

Eligibility

· Seed-stage startup operational for less than 4 years.

· 2-4 co-founders, with at least one African co-founder

· Operating in or impacting Africa, with a strong team and proven execution capacity.

· Raised up to $350K and seeking to raise $1m.

Applications are now open. Interested start-ups can apply via  this link by August 31st.