A Community for Growth, Exposure, and Scale
A 12-month program supporting African Startups in their investment readiness and their capacity to scale, sell and fundraise.
Startup Phase: Seed stage
Duration: 12 months
Field: All fields
Location: Pan-African
Format: Hybrid
Number of Cohorts: 2
Trusted by
Ready to raise your first $1M?
Ready to raise your first $1M?
Grow is a 12-month investment readiness program designed for advanced startups in Africa. Developed in collaboration with AfricaGrow, BPI France, Go Ventures, and Africinvest Group, GROW aims to support African startups that fundraised up to 350K USD and are aiming to reach their first 1M USD and expand their businesses in new markets.
Eligibility
Seed-stage startups who raised funds up to 350K USD, seeking $1M and are operational for less than 4 years.
Startups impacting Africa:
Operating in Africa
Creating jobs in Africa
Operating in Africa
Creating jobs in Africa
Operating in Africa
Creating jobs in Africa
2-4 co founders:
At least one African Co-Founder.
At least one African Co-Founder.
At least one African Co-Founder.
High-Quality Training led by National and International Experts
Participants in the program benefit from top-notch training facilitated by both national and international experts. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, ensuring participants gain valuable knowledge and skills.
Strong Mentoring
Entrepreneurs receive dedicated mentorship, providing them with personalized guidance and advice. This one-on-one mentorship helps startups navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions to enhance their chances of success.
Work with Columbia MBA Students
Collaborating with Columbia MBA students offers a unique opportunity for practical engagement. This interaction allows startups to leverage the skills and fresh perspectives of the students, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.
Meet High-Potential Talents from Across Tunisia
The program facilitates networking opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with high-potential talents from diverse backgrounds across Tunisia. This networking can lead to valuable collaborations, partnerships, and a broader support network.
National and International Exposure
Participants gain visibility on both national and international levels, increasing their chances of attracting attention from investors, potential partners, and customers. This exposure is crucial for building a strong brand presence and expanding market reach.
Access to OST Community
Entrepreneurs become part of the vibrant OST community, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge-sharing, idea exchange, and mutual support are encouraged. Being part of a like-minded community enhances the overall entrepreneurial experience.
Access to Pre-Seed Funding with 0 Equity
The program provides access to pre-seed funding without requiring equity in return. This financial support empowers startups to kickstart their ventures, allowing them to focus on growth and development.
Support for Prototyping
Entrepreneurs receive assistance and resources for prototyping their products or solutions. This support is crucial for refining and testing ideas, ensuring that startups can bring viable and innovative products to market.
Paid Services
The program offers access to paid services that can be instrumental in the operational and strategic aspects of startup development. This additional support enhances the overall capabilities of participating entrepreneurs.
Support in Getting a Label AIR1, AIR2
Assistance is provided in obtaining relevant labels, such as AIR1 and AIR2, which can confer credibility and recognition. These labels can be valuable assets for startups seeking validation in their respective industries.
Full Immersion in the New York Ecosystem and Pitch in Columbia Venture Competition
Participants benefit from a full immersion experience in the New York entrepreneurial ecosystem, gaining insights and connections that can be transformative. Additionally, the opportunity to pitch in the Columbia Venture Competition opens doors to further exposure and potential opportunities.
High-Quality Training led by National and International Experts
Participants in the program benefit from top-notch training facilitated by both national and international experts. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, ensuring participants gain valuable knowledge and skills.
Strong Mentoring
Entrepreneurs receive dedicated mentorship, providing them with personalized guidance and advice. This one-on-one mentorship helps startups navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions to enhance their chances of success.
Work with Columbia MBA Students
Collaborating with Columbia MBA students offers a unique opportunity for practical engagement. This interaction allows startups to leverage the skills and fresh perspectives of the students, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.
Meet High-Potential Talents from Across Tunisia
The program facilitates networking opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with high-potential talents from diverse backgrounds across Tunisia. This networking can lead to valuable collaborations, partnerships, and a broader support network.
National and International Exposure
Participants gain visibility on both national and international levels, increasing their chances of attracting attention from investors, potential partners, and customers. This exposure is crucial for building a strong brand presence and expanding market reach.
Access to OST Community
Entrepreneurs become part of the vibrant OST community, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge-sharing, idea exchange, and mutual support are encouraged. Being part of a like-minded community enhances the overall entrepreneurial experience.
Access to Pre-Seed Funding with 0 Equity
The program provides access to pre-seed funding without requiring equity in return. This financial support empowers startups to kickstart their ventures, allowing them to focus on growth and development.
Support for Prototyping
Entrepreneurs receive assistance and resources for prototyping their products or solutions. This support is crucial for refining and testing ideas, ensuring that startups can bring viable and innovative products to market.
Paid Services
The program offers access to paid services that can be instrumental in the operational and strategic aspects of startup development. This additional support enhances the overall capabilities of participating entrepreneurs.
Support in Getting a Label AIR1, AIR2
Assistance is provided in obtaining relevant labels, such as AIR1 and AIR2, which can confer credibility and recognition. These labels can be valuable assets for startups seeking validation in their respective industries.
Full Immersion in the New York Ecosystem and Pitch in Columbia Venture Competition
Participants benefit from a full immersion experience in the New York entrepreneurial ecosystem, gaining insights and connections that can be transformative. Additionally, the opportunity to pitch in the Columbia Venture Competition opens doors to further exposure and potential opportunities.
High-Quality Training led by National and International Experts
Participants in the program benefit from top-notch training facilitated by both national and international experts. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, ensuring participants gain valuable knowledge and skills.
Strong Mentoring
Entrepreneurs receive dedicated mentorship, providing them with personalized guidance and advice. This one-on-one mentorship helps startups navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions to enhance their chances of success.
Work with Columbia MBA Students
Collaborating with Columbia MBA students offers a unique opportunity for practical engagement. This interaction allows startups to leverage the skills and fresh perspectives of the students, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.
Meet High-Potential Talents from Across Tunisia
The program facilitates networking opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with high-potential talents from diverse backgrounds across Tunisia. This networking can lead to valuable collaborations, partnerships, and a broader support network.
National and International Exposure
Participants gain visibility on both national and international levels, increasing their chances of attracting attention from investors, potential partners, and customers. This exposure is crucial for building a strong brand presence and expanding market reach.
Access to OST Community
Entrepreneurs become part of the vibrant OST community, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge-sharing, idea exchange, and mutual support are encouraged. Being part of a like-minded community enhances the overall entrepreneurial experience.
Access to Pre-Seed Funding with 0 Equity
The program provides access to pre-seed funding without requiring equity in return. This financial support empowers startups to kickstart their ventures, allowing them to focus on growth and development.
Support for Prototyping
Entrepreneurs receive assistance and resources for prototyping their products or solutions. This support is crucial for refining and testing ideas, ensuring that startups can bring viable and innovative products to market.
Paid Services
The program offers access to paid services that can be instrumental in the operational and strategic aspects of startup development. This additional support enhances the overall capabilities of participating entrepreneurs.
Support in Getting a Label AIR1, AIR2
Assistance is provided in obtaining relevant labels, such as AIR1 and AIR2, which can confer credibility and recognition. These labels can be valuable assets for startups seeking validation in their respective industries.
Full Immersion in the New York Ecosystem and Pitch in Columbia Venture Competition
Participants benefit from a full immersion experience in the New York entrepreneurial ecosystem, gaining insights and connections that can be transformative. Additionally, the opportunity to pitch in the Columbia Venture Competition opens doors to further exposure and potential opportunities.
High-Quality Training led by National and International Experts
Participants in the program benefit from top-notch training facilitated by both national and international experts. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship, ensuring participants gain valuable knowledge and skills.
Strong Mentoring
Entrepreneurs receive dedicated mentorship, providing them with personalized guidance and advice. This one-on-one mentorship helps startups navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions to enhance their chances of success.
Work with Columbia MBA Students
Collaborating with Columbia MBA students offers a unique opportunity for practical engagement. This interaction allows startups to leverage the skills and fresh perspectives of the students, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.
Meet High-Potential Talents from Across Tunisia
The program facilitates networking opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs to connect with high-potential talents from diverse backgrounds across Tunisia. This networking can lead to valuable collaborations, partnerships, and a broader support network.
National and International Exposure
Participants gain visibility on both national and international levels, increasing their chances of attracting attention from investors, potential partners, and customers. This exposure is crucial for building a strong brand presence and expanding market reach.
Access to OST Community
Entrepreneurs become part of the vibrant OST community, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge-sharing, idea exchange, and mutual support are encouraged. Being part of a like-minded community enhances the overall entrepreneurial experience.
Access to Pre-Seed Funding with 0 Equity
The program provides access to pre-seed funding without requiring equity in return. This financial support empowers startups to kickstart their ventures, allowing them to focus on growth and development.
Support for Prototyping
Entrepreneurs receive assistance and resources for prototyping their products or solutions. This support is crucial for refining and testing ideas, ensuring that startups can bring viable and innovative products to market.
Paid Services
The program offers access to paid services that can be instrumental in the operational and strategic aspects of startup development. This additional support enhances the overall capabilities of participating entrepreneurs.
Support in Getting a Label AIR1, AIR2
Assistance is provided in obtaining relevant labels, such as AIR1 and AIR2, which can confer credibility and recognition. These labels can be valuable assets for startups seeking validation in their respective industries.
Full Immersion in the New York Ecosystem and Pitch in Columbia Venture Competition
Participants benefit from a full immersion experience in the New York entrepreneurial ecosystem, gaining insights and connections that can be transformative. Additionally, the opportunity to pitch in the Columbia Venture Competition opens doors to further exposure and potential opportunities.
Program Benefits
Training
Tailored sessions across business, product, growth, and fundraising, led by experts from different fields.
Mentorship
Matched guidance based on each startup’s needs and priorities.
Hands-on support
Ongoing, personalized support throughout the program.
VC Matchmaking
Curated introductions to individual and institutional investors.
International Exposure Fellowships
Support for participation in international events and visibility opportunities.
Talent Fellowships
Financial support for hiring top local and regional talent.
Community
A vibrant network of founders, experts, and ecosystem partners.
Program Structure
12-Months Journey
Embark on a program tailored to boost your startup's growth and investment readiness.
2-Months of Online Training
Personalized intensive online modules led by strong international trainers.
4-Months of Follow-up Mentorship
Ongoing guidance from experienced mentors
8-Months of investors Matching
VC clinics and exposure to a wide network of individual and institutional investors
Program Updates
Meet the startups Grow Cohort #1
Meet the startups Grow Cohort #1
Grow Team
Advisors team
Rutvik Deepak
GO Ventures Founding Team Member & Principal
Rutvik Deepak
GO Ventures Founding Team Member & Principal
Rutvik Deepak
GO Ventures Founding Team Member & Principal
Igor Ovcharenko
Chief innovation officer, Innovation & Digital Development Agency
Igor Ovcharenko
Chief innovation officer, Innovation & Digital Development Agency
Igor Ovcharenko
Chief innovation officer, Innovation & Digital Development Agency
Olga Duka
GP, Improve Ventures GP, Point-Improve
Olga Duka
GP, Improve Ventures GP, Point-Improve
Olga Duka
GP, Improve Ventures GP, Point-Improve
Richard Rabbat
Co-Founder & CEO, Lighty-AI, Ex VP Twitter
Richard Rabbat
Co-Founder & CEO, Lighty-AI, Ex VP Twitter
Richard Rabbat
Co-Founder & CEO, Lighty-AI, Ex VP Twitter
