VC4A Calls On African Startups Looking To Raise Between $150k-$1m To Apply

VC4A is calling for African startups looking to raise between $150K and $1M. In proud collaboration with technical partner AWS Activate, and network partners AfriLabs and ABAN, VC4A will be hosting the exclusive ‘Venture Showcase — Seed’ in November as part of a virtual gathering of Africa-focused early-stage investors.

Ben White, founder and director at VC4A
Ben White, founder and director at VC4A

“Based on investor demand we have added a Seed track to the Venture Showcase — now in its 4th year. This exciting addition opens the door to up and coming companies looking to connect with leading investors active across the continent. The Seed track targets ventures with highly scalable business models demonstrating strong traction. We put a spotlight on the innovation coming up across the continent with the aim to capitalize the next generation of great African startups,” says Ben White, founder and director from VC4A. 

Here Is What You Need To Know

  • Via this campaign VC4A will select 10 innovative early-stage startups to showcase their business to the world. A requirement is that you are based in Africa and your tech-enabled solution is already on the market, you are able to show some traction and you have expansion plans in mind.
  • Since 2017, VC4A has showcased growth-stage startups as part of the annual Africa Early Stage Investor Summit, resulting in a number of Series A deals totaling over $100M. 
  • Building on this success, the ‘VC4A Venture Showcase — Seed’ track positions deal ready companies as a central component VC4A offers to its Africa focused network of over 150 early-stage investment firms built up over the years. This is an exclusive opportunity for selected entrepreneurs to introduce their companies at once to everyone who’s anyone in Africa’s early-stage investment space.

A Look At What This Year’s Edition Holds

  • This year cloud platform Amazon Web Services (AWS Activate) joins the Venture Showcase as a technical partner. 

“Through VC4A’s partnership with AWS we offer startups direct access to unparalleled expertise and a global infrastructure for growing and scaling business. The companies in the ‘VC4A Venture Showcase — Seed’ track are well positioned for growth and stand to benefit from our growing networks of partners and capital,” says Ben White.

  • VC4A works closely with the African early-stage startup community involving investors and incubators in both the referral, screening and selection process. 
  • Through the partnerships with AfriLabs — representing 202 innovation centers across 46 African countries — and ABAN — representing 60+ angel investor networks — the Venture Showcase promotes (co-)investment opportunities for their members. Participating investors will work with the selected companies to prepare their participation in the showcase, and to ensure the companies are representative of the best investment opportunities.

Read also: African Startups Called On To Apply And Get Up To $10m At Virtual VC4A Series A Venture Showcase

The 10 selected startups get:

  • To participate in the VC4A Venture Showcase deal room, including 150+ early-stage investment firms.
  • Professional edited 3-minute virtual pitch videos.
  • 30-minute deep-dive sessions with investors in a private room. 
  • Mentorship and pitch training by early-stage investor organizations.
  • Amazon Web Services credits from AWS Activate worth $10,000, as well as tools, resources, and more to get started quickly on AWS.
  • To join the Showcase alumni network and gain exclusive access to fundraising opportunities. 

How To Apply

Interested entrepreneurs are invited to apply before 11 September 2020. Investors who wish to refer to a company can contact Thomas van Halen at thomas[at]vc4a.com.

The Venture Showcase program consists of 2 tracks this year. The Seed track and a Series A track. More information on the Series A track here: vc4afri.ca/d5v.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer