Cascador, a leading accelerator for mid-stage entrepreneurs in Nigeria, has introduced the Catalytic Fund, a $2 million annual initiative aimed at providing financial support to its alumni businesses. The fund, announced in a statement on Monday, seeks to address the critical funding challenges faced by Nigerian entrepreneurs by offering both debt and equity financing to mission-driven enterprises.
According to Cascador, the fund is designed to be a game-changer for businesses seeking sustainable growth. Founder Dave DeLucia emphasized its role in unlocking alternative funding opportunities and driving long-term business expansion. “We are deploying capital where it can truly be catalytic—powering growth, improving access to alternative funding sources, and enabling sustainable scale,” DeLucia said.
Since its inception in 2019, Cascador has supported over 60 entrepreneurs, who have collectively raised more than $55 million in capital. The organization’s latest initiative builds on its commitment to fostering a thriving business ecosystem in Nigeria.
As part of its strategy to enhance access to affordable financing, Cascador has partnered with Sterling Bank to introduce a custom lending programme tailored to the needs of its alumni businesses. The partnership is expected to provide sustainable loans with flexible repayment structures aligned with business cash flows. “Sterling Bank will provide blended financing solutions through a custom lending programme tailored to alumni needs,” the statement read.
Beyond financial support, Cascador continues to strengthen Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape through leadership training and networking opportunities. The accelerator reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian businesses, ensuring they have the resources needed to scale and succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
