Empowering African Startups for Global Scale
Paper Plane is a Pan-African program designed for startups in the pre-seed and seed stages, offering unique learning opportunities, investor matching, and exposure to foster their development on a global scale.
Startup Phase: Seed and pre-seed stage
Duration: 6 weeks
Field: BlueTech, EdTech, FinTech, HealthTech
Location: Online
Format: Hybrid
Number of Cohorts: 3
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Program Overview
Paper Plane is a program targeting African startups that have an MVP. It aims to provide entrepreneurs with access to pre-seed and seed funding opportunities, exposure in African markets, and the chance to connect with regional ecosystem players. The program is executed through a 7-week hybrid engagement that concludes in a fully funded immersion week held in Morocco .
Eligibility
Pre-seed and seed stages startups
Incorporated within the African continent
Aimed at international scalability
Leveraging technology in their solution
Operating within the following verticals : BlueTech, EdTech, FinTech and HealthTech
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
A Learning approach based on practice
Participants will deepen their knowledge on crucial topics through: - Training and panel sessions led by experienced trainers; - Hands-on experience with home assignments; - Exchange sessions and peer-to-peer learning.
Financing opportunities and matching
Participants will have the opportunity to present their ideas and engage with Venture Capitalists (VCs) and accelerators, fostering potential pre-seed and seed investment connections.
Ecosystem Immersion
During the fully funded immersion week in the African country, startups will have the opportunity to gain insights into the Moroccan market, understand its key players, and dynamics, and identify available opportunities.
An African community
Participants will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and engage with diverse stakeholders on a regional scale, through the access to the OST international community.
Program Structure
6-week online program
Throughout the program startups will gain practical insights on the following topics: Expansion, Soft Landing Organisations, Investment, Alternative Investments, and pitch deck development complemented by hands-on activities that encourage connection-building, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer learning.
A fully funded Immersion Week (GIW)
A week-long immersion program in an African country designed to provide startups with exposure to the market, its various actors, and opportunities. The program also facilitates connections and financial matchmaking by bringing together Venture Capitalists (VCs), Soft Landing Organizations (SSOs), Accelerators, and startups.
