In Partnership with African Impact Initiative and Ingressive Capital

Launchpad by Founders Connect

Pitch your startup for a chance to win $5,000 (CAD), level up your business and make your mark in Mzansi’s tech scene

Apply here
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

The Launchpad by Founders Connect is an exclusive platform

where early-stage founders get a chance to showcase their ideas, secure funding, and gain the resources they need to scale.

Launchpad is a pitch competition by Founders Connect for early-stage founders across Africa, starting from Kenya and Nigeria, and now South Africa,  to get a chance to showcase their ideas, secure funding, and gain the resources they need to grow.

Our superpower is providing startups with visibility and strategic introductions they need to get to the next level. The grant is a bonus.

Apply hereApply here
This year, $5,000 (CAD) non-dillutive grant funding is up for grabs to take your startup to the next level. Applications are open to bold, ambitious founders from South Africa building in fintech, healthtech, climate, or any other sector shaping the continent’s future.

Shortlisted finalists will get an exclusive chance to pitch live at the Built in Africa Startup Showcase by African Impact Initiative, gain visibility, and compete for a non-dilutive cash prize.
1st Place
$6,000
2nd Place
$3,000
3rd Place
$1,000

Eligibility Criteria

  • Startup must be less than 3 years old
  • Must be tech-enabled (not just a website)
  • Must have launched a product in the market with demonstrable traction (active users and/or revenue)
  • Must have raised less than $1M in outside capital
  • Must have high growth potential and scalability
  • Founding team must be available to pitch in person at the semi-final and final stages (Cape Town, South Africa)
  • Startup should address specific needs, challenges, or opportunities within African markets
  • At least one founder must be committed full-time to the startup

Timeline

Application closes:
24th October 2025
Shortlist Top 15:
27th October 2025
Pitch Day (Semi-finals):
30th October 2025
Finale and Announcement:
15th November 2025

Judges

Judge 1

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Judge 2

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Judge 3

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Judge 4

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Judge 5

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Shortlisted startups will pitch live at the Built in Africa Startup Showcase in Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

Launchpad by Founders Connect

FAQ

Can startups from outside of South Africa apply?

Yes, startups from outside of South Africa can apply, but they must be designed to address specific needs, challenges, or opportunities within African markets, and if shortlisted, at least one member of the founding team must be available to pitch in person at the semi-finals and finals in Cape Town, South Africa

How did Founders Connect begin?

We started as a YouTube show featuring hour-long interviews with key African founders and talents who share their stories, from childhood to getting into tech and all the lessons they have learned in thier journey. But we have now evolved to be more than a YouTube show; we have become a thriving community with events and online engagements.

How can I participate?

Good question. Please subscribe to your YouTube or podcast channels, attend any of our events, and, more importantly, join the online community for exclusive AMAs, global chapter mixers, growth programs and more.

What does partnership look like?

We have many partnership opportunities: You could feature on the show, sponsor an event in any of our cities, partner to curate a growth program, host a webinar, and so much more. Please contact event@foundersconnect.xyz.

Got more questions?

Feel free to reach out

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