CatalyzU, a data-driven platform that supports African talent, has partnered with Future Africa, a pan-African venture capital firm, to launch the “How to Startup” Fellowship. This initiative aims to equip aspiring and existing African entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to build successful businesses across the continent.
The 7-week online program offers a curriculum developed by experienced African founders and venture capitalists. It focuses on practical strategies and real-world case studies, ensuring participants gain a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the African startup landscape.
The fellowship covers crucial aspects of launching a startup, including:
- Idea Validation: Fellows will learn to effectively assess the viability of their business concepts.
- Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Creation: Gaining the skills to develop a functional prototype to test their ideas with real users.
- Navigating Legal and Financial Hurdles: Understanding the legal and financial complexities involved in starting and running a business in Africa.
- Fundraising Strategies: Mastering the art of attracting investment to fuel business growth.
The program boasts a distinguished faculty, including industry leaders like Iyinoluwa E. Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela, Flutterwave, and Future Africa. Participants will benefit from direct interaction with these experts, gaining valuable insights and practical guidance.
Following the fellowship, graduates will join CatalyzU’s alumni network, the Young African Catalyst network. This network connects over 200 founders and VCs across Africa, providing ongoing support, mentorship, and potential partnership opportunities.
