Cape Town, South Africa 22 April 2024 - CatalyzU has announced the launch of the transformative ‘How to Startup’ in Africa fellowship, a 7-week program designed to empower African entrepreneurs and equip them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to build successful businesses. After the success of their Venture Capital Fellowships, the CatalyzU team – in partnership with leading Pan-African VC firm – Future Africa, is thrilled to launch this new initiative aimed at startup founders, aspiring founders, startup employees, and even corporate innovators eager to launch and scale innovative ideas in Africa.
Developed by a team of Africa’s best founders and venture capitalists. who have been in the startup ‘trenches’ and emerged as best-in-class experts, this immersive fellowship offers tailored, experiential training that goes beyond traditional entrepreneurship education. Participants will learn directly from the best in the business, gaining practical strategies from live learning, and real-world case studies that aim to foster a deeper understanding of the unique nuances of the African startup ecosystem.
"Africa is home to a vibrant, rapidly growing entrepreneurial landscape, and we're thrilled to launch this fellowship to empower the next generation of African startups," said Karl Nchite, co-founder and CEO of CatalyzU. He further explained, "by providing hands-on, live learning experiences and access to an extensive network of industry leaders, we're equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses."
Through a curriculum focused on validating startup ideas, crafting Minimum Viable Products, navigating legal and financial principles, and strategically raising capital, the ‘How to Startup’ fellowship empowers participants to build a strong foundation for long-term success. Lecturers include the likes of Iyinoluwa E Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela, Flutterwave & Future Africa and Mia Koschitzky-Kimani, Co-founder of DukaConnect & Managing Partner at Future Africa.
In a recent LinkedIn post sharing the excitement about the partnership, Mia highlighted “...We are super excited to partner with CatalyzU on 'How to Startup' and to share a lot of the lessons and insights we collected as founders as well as investors in over 100 startups on the continent. The journey to a successful startup is incredibly tough and the better prepared you are, the better your odds. Join us!”
Upon completion of the program, fellows will graduate into the esteemed Young African Catalyst network – CatalyzU’s Alumni Network, a vibrant alliance of over 200 leading founders and venture capitalists across the continent, providing ongoing support and collaboration opportunities.
Applications for the CatalyzU "How to Startup" Fellowship are now open. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis until spots fill up. To learn more and apply, please visit their website.
