develoPPP Ventures Kenya
Targeted at young companies with innovative models that improve lives in developing countries, this program offers €100,000 in non-dilutive capital through a matching-funds model from BMZ to support scalable growth.
In partnership with KFW and DEG, Nailab, alongside our consortium partner SeedStars, designed and implemented the develoPPP Venture Kenya program to accelerate social impact innovations across Kenya. Through this program, each selected venture received an initial €200,000 grant, mentorship and technical assistance from Nailab, to enable them to scale globally, secure additional venture funding, and access new markets.
We successfully ran two cohorts, supporting 20 entrepreneurs with tailored acceleration and technical assistance, helping them overcome scaling challenges and expand their reach.
Impact
- 250,000 applications received from startups across Kenya
- 20 businesses accelerated, each receiving an investment of €200,000
Africa Business Heroes (2019)
Africa's Business Heroes supports talented African entrepreneurs through its annual Prize competition. Each year, ten exceptional finalists are selected to a share of USD 1.5 million in grant funding, with the top winner receiving up to USD 300,000.
The Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) is a $10 million grant program designed to support 100 African entrepreneurs over the next 10 years (2019-2029), with a total of $1 million allocated annually through a highly competitive pitch competition.
As the lead regional partner of the Jack Ma Foundation for the first year of this transformative program in 2019, Nailab led the design and implementation of the program across the African continent, organizing the prize challenge, sourcing participants, and coordinating key stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative.
Top Winners:
- 1st Place: Temie Giwa-Tubosun (Nigeria) – Founder & CEO, LifeBank ($250,000)
- 2nd Place: Dr. Omar Sakr (Egypt) – Founder & CEO, Nawah-Scientific ($150,000)
- 3rd Place: Christelle Kwizera (Rwanda) – Founder, Water Access Rwanda ($100,000)
Other Finalists (Each received $65,000):
- Mumm (Egypt)
- Thrive Agric (Nigeria)
- J-Palm (Liberia)
- UZURI K&Y (Rwanda)
- Black Swan (Nigeria)
- DrugStoc (Nigeria)
- Afrikrea (Ivory Coast)
Program Impact – Year One:
- 10,000 applications received
- 50 African countries reached
- 10 finalists selected
- $1,000,000 invested in the startups
LEAP² Challenge
The LEAP² Challenge is a program designed to support and develop innovative projects, particularly those focused on digital solutions, by providing training in crowdfunding and pitching, as well as offering matching funding for successful crowdfunding campaigns.
Partner: Close the Gap and GoodUp
The LEAP² Challenge supported innovators in bridging the digital divide and scaling their ventures. Participants were challenged to accelerate their innovations by raising funds through crowdfunding. Those who successfully reached 50% of their fundraising goal received matching funds of up to $2,000 in seed capital.
Between 2018 and 2019, we designed and implemented three programs focused on innovations in the circular economy, women in technology, and fintech—two in the coastal region and one in Nairobi. A total of 22 entrepreneurs received match funding, with $100,000 invested in the program.
Key Aspects of the LEAP² Challenge:
- Crowdfunding training: Participants received hands-on training on how to design, launch, and manage effective crowdfunding campaigns.
- Matching funding: Successful campaigns were rewarded with matching funds of up to $2000, incentivizing participation and supporting project development.
- Pitching skills: The program helped participants build strong pitching capabilities to effectively present their ideas to investors and partners.
- Networking opportunities: LEAP² facilitated connections with industry experts, coaches, and potential investors, expanding participants’ professional networks.
Impact
- 3 innovation-focused programs delivered across Kenya (Coastal region and Nairobi)
- 22 entrepreneurs received matching seed funding of $2,000 each
- $100,000 invested in the program