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Launch Africa Ventures Investment Programme

Launch Africa Ventures · VC / Investment Fund
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About this opportunity

Launch Africa invests $25,000–$500,000 in pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups across Africa. You need an MVP, an Africa-based founding team, and a scalable model to apply; applications are reviewed rolling.

Launch Africa is a pan-African micro-VC fund that invests in pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups across Africa, with a portfolio spanning over 20 African countries. It offers ticket sizes of $25,000 to $500,000 and has backed over 120 startups, making it one of the most active early-stage investors on the continent. Founders receive investment plus access to a curated network of co-investors, mentors, and corporate partners.

Who can apply

  • Pre-seed or seed-stage tech startup with a working MVP or prototype
  • Founding team based in Africa
  • Operating in fintech, agritech, health, edtech, logistics, technology, or e-commerce
  • Business demonstrating a scalable model with clear path to growth
  • Registered in any African country

Not eligible

  • Idea-stage startups without a working prototype or MVP
  • Teams without at least one Africa-based founder

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Documents you will need

  • Pitch deck (typically 10–15 slides covering problem, solution, market, traction, team, financials, ask)
  • Executive summary or one-pager
  • Proof of MVP or working prototype (demo link, screenshots, or video walkthrough)
  • Cap table showing current ownership and any prior investment
  • Financial projections (usually 3 years)
  • Details of founding team (bios, LinkedIn profiles, relevant experience)

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Prepare a pitch deck covering your product, market opportunity, traction to date, team, and financial projections
  2. Gather proof of your working MVP or prototype (link, video, or demonstration materials)
  3. Complete the Launch Africa pitch form on their platform
  4. Submit all required documents through the form
  5. Watch for contact from Launch Africa; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so response timing varies
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

Launch Africa reviews applications continuously rather than in batches. The fund assesses product-market fit, team capability, business model scalability, and traction. Shortlisted founders are typically invited to pitch live or attend an investor event. The fund draws on its network of co-investors and mentors to structure deals and support portfolio companies beyond the initial cheque.

What reviewers look for

  • Have working product evidence ready. A link to your MVP or a 60-second demo video matters more than polished slide design.
  • Show traction: active users, repeat transactions, customer feedback, or pilot results demonstrate demand and reduce perceived risk.
  • Be specific about your market and defensibility. 'We serve SME accountants in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya' is stronger than 'we serve African businesses.'
  • Highlight team depth. Launch Africa backs founders with relevant domain experience or complementary skills. Founder CV gaps will slow decisions.
  • Clarify how you use the capital. Stage-appropriate use cases (engineering hiring, market entry, customer acquisition) signal better unit economics than vague 'growth' spending.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior investment or revenue to qualify?

No. Launch Africa invests at pre-seed and seed stage, so many portfolio companies had zero revenue at application. A working MVP and clear market demand matter more than sales figures.

Can I apply if my co-founder is outside Africa?

You need at least one Africa-based founder on the team. A co-founder elsewhere is common in Launch Africa's portfolio, but not everyone can be based abroad.

How long does the review process take?

Applications are reviewed rolling, so timing varies. Typically, strong applications hear back within 2–4 weeks, but this is not guaranteed.

What if I am still building my MVP?

Launch Africa requires a working prototype or MVP at application. If you are very early, consider applying once you have something users can interact with.

Do you accept non-tech sectors?

Launch Africa focuses on tech startups in fintech, agritech, health, edtech, logistics, technology, and e-commerce. Pure services or non-tech models sit outside their mandate.

Guide written from the official programme page on 15 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

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