Novastar Ventures East Africa Fund

About this opportunity

Novastar Ventures invests $500,000–$3 million in early-stage startups across East Africa (primarily Kenya) in agriculture, fintech, health, education and energy. You need a scalable model and a pitch deck ready to submit.

Who can apply

• Founders building businesses in East Africa, primarily Kenya, Ethiopia, or Anglophone West Africa (including Nigeria)
• Startups at seed to Series A stage
• Companies with a scalable business model targeting mass-market consumers
• Businesses operating in agriculture, financial services, health, education, or energy sectors
• Founders able to demonstrate potential for rapid growth and market transformation

Not eligible

• Businesses at later than Series A stage
• Companies not targeting mass-market consumer segments
• Ventures outside the eligible geographic regions

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Documents you will need

• Pitch deck (pdf, ppt, or key format)
• Business plan
• Company registration or proof of business establishment
• Founder CV or background information
• Financial projections or traction data (if available)

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How to apply, step by step

1. Read Novastar's guidance document 'Raising Capital for your Venture – Questions to Consider' on their website
2. Prepare your pitch deck in pdf, PowerPoint or Keynote format (maximum 10MB file size)
3. Visit the Novastar Ventures pitch form on their website
4. Complete the form with your first name, last name, phone number, email, company name and a brief message about your business
5. Upload your pitch deck and any supporting business plan documents
6. Tick the privacy policy checkbox and submit the form

How applications are selected

What reviewers look for

• Novastar wants to see businesses that can transform entire sectors or markets, not incremental improvements. Your pitch should explain why your model will reach many customers and why it matters at scale.
• Traction matters at seed and Series A stage. If you have revenue, user numbers, or customer validation, include it in your pitch.
• Mass-market focus is key. B2B or enterprise plays that do not reach large consumer populations are typically a weaker fit.
• Show you understand your unit economics and path to profitability. Novastar backs businesses, not just ideas.
• Demonstrate regional knowledge. If you are based in Nigeria but applying for Kenya or Ethiopia, explain why your model works in that market specifically.

Frequently asked questions

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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