Call For Applications: Founders Connect Pitch2Win For Early-Stage Startups in Nigeria & Kenya(Up to $2,500 in equity-free grants and other exclusive perks)
Pitch2Win, organized by Founders Connect, is a competition designed to give early-stage founders across Africa—starting with Kenya and Nigeria—an opportunity to showcase their ideas, secure funding, and gain valuable resources to grow their businesses.
Founders Connect offers grants as well as the visibility and strategic connections startups need to move forward. The funding is an added advantage.
This year, $2,500 in equity-free grants and exclusive perks designed to help startups scale are up for grabs.
Selected founders will get to pitch to investors such as Ingressive Capital and compete for up to $10,000 in investment from the African Impact Initiative.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to ambitious founders ready to take their startups to the next stage. While applications are open to all industries, special consideration will be given to women-led startups.
Additional Perks
$25,000 in fee-free processing on Paystack
One-year free Intercom Pro subscription (plus 50% off in year two)
Six months of free access to Notion with unlimited AI (over $6,000 in savings)
Up to $10,000 in AWS credits
Six months of free PR services from Reneé PR
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, startups must meet the following requirements:
Less than three years old
Tech-enabled (beyond just a website)
Launched product with measurable traction (active users and/or revenue)
Raised less than $1M in external funding
High growth potential and scalability
At least one founder is available to pitch in person at the semi-finals and finals in Lagos, Nigeria or Nairobi, Kenya
Solves a challenge or addresses an opportunity within African markets
At least one founder committed full-time to the startup
Applications are open to startups beyond Nigeria and Kenya, but they must address key challenges or opportunities in African markets. Shortlisted teams must also have at least one founder available to pitch in person at the semi-finals and finals in Lagos or Nairobi.
How to Apply
Pitch2Win is more than a competition—it’s a launchpad for startups ready to gain exposure, connect with investors, and secure the support they need to grow. Are you ready to take your startup forward?
