In a recent discussion about the role of media and startups in Africa, I made a point that I believe resonates deeply: “We exist because you do.”
This might sound like flattery, but it’s far from it. Without startups creating solutions across Africa, the media landscape would look quite different, as we would need to shift our focus elsewhere.
Since the inception of our platform in 2015, we’ve done more than just report on the industry—we’ve actively supported its development. Our goal has been to offer in-depth articles on the latest innovations, highlight the perseverance of dedicated founders, and hold industry players accountable. But our efforts go beyond journalism.
We’ve organized events designed to inspire and drive critical conversations, foster meaningful networking opportunities, and even assist in helping individuals secure new roles. In 2018, we launched a pitch session series for early-stage startups in our office space, creating a space for Nigerian tech professionals to connect and showcase their ventures. We called it Pitch Friday.
In recent years, however, we’ve redefined how we think about our involvement in the startup ecosystem. Rather than merely providing a platform for showcasing ideas, we’re now focused on supporting founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Announcing the Founders Clinic
We’re excited to introduce the Founders Clinic: an eight-week mentorship program aimed at empowering early-stage startup founders with the guidance of seasoned professionals.
The program connects entrepreneurs with experts who will work directly on their specific challenges. By the end of the program, we aim to establish lasting connections that will help these startups thrive and scale.
Who Should Apply?
We’re targeting startups operating in key sectors such as finance, education, mobility, healthcare, and the creator economy.
However, this program isn’t for everyone. We’re looking for founders who have already launched their businesses with a minimum viable product (MVP), and the company must be technology-driven or enabled.
Building a business is a tough journey, and we are committed to supporting startups that are addressing critical issues on the continent. The more unique and impactful your solution, the better your chances. We’re also interested in founders who combine perseverance with practical industry experience or deep understanding of their field.
While we are not offering financial support, our selection process will be stringent. We’re looking for startups that can truly benefit from the expertise of our mentors. Therefore, if you’re still in the idea phase, haven’t made significant progress, or aren’t fully committed to your startup, this may not be the right fit for you.
If you think you meet the criteria, we invite you to apply by filling out the application form. We’ll be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, and we’re excited to collaborate with passionate founders to create impactful change. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
