What changed
Her Startup Cohort 2.0 is accepting applications from African women founders running technology-enabled businesses. The 12-week programme combines Founder Institute training, mentorship, a stipend and the chance to pitch for up to US$5,000 in convertible revenue-based financing; applications reportedly close on October 26, 2026.
Why it matters
This is aimed at operating businesses, not idea-stage pitches. Applicants must be women founders, co-founders or CEOs aged 18–35, lead an African company, have an MVP or product on the market, and show at least US$500 in monthly revenue for six months.
That threshold makes the programme more practical than a general startup competition. Founders are expected to bring evidence that customers already pay for something, then use the training to sharpen the business model, customer understanding, growth plans and investment readiness.
The money also comes with an important qualification. Completing the programme makes founders eligible to pitch the Investment Committee, but does not guarantee funding. Any award would be structured as convertible revenue-based financing, not an unconditional grant.
The design tries to broaden the cohort beyond the most familiar technology categories. Fintech companies can make up no more than 20% of selected businesses, while the programme aims for at least 15% participation from Francophone Africa. Applications are accepted in English and French.
For qualifying founders, the immediate value may be the combination of structured training and six months of mentorship rather than the maximum funding figure alone. The stipend could also help during the programme, although its amount has not been published.
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