What changed
Her Startup has opened applications for Cohort 2.0, a pan-African accelerator for women founders building technology-enabled businesses. Applications close October 26, 2026; selected founders will receive 12 weeks of training, staged stipends, mentorship and a chance to pitch for up to US$5,000 in convertible revenue-based financing.
Why it matters
This is aimed at operating companies, not idea-stage projects. Applicants must be women founders, co-founders or CEOs aged 18–35, lead an African company with an MVP or live product, and show at least US$500 in monthly revenue sustained for six months.
That revenue threshold is the important filter. It puts the programme closer to a growth and investment-readiness track than a startup-idea competition. The training, delivered through the Founder Institute, is designed to sharpen business models, customer understanding, growth plans and fundraising preparation.
The money also comes with conditions. 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 rather than an unconditional grant, so applicants need to understand the repayment or conversion terms before treating the headline figure as free capital.
The programme is also trying to shape its cohort deliberately: fintech companies can make up no more than 20% of selections, while at least 15% are targeted from Francophone Africa. Applications are accepted in English and French. The stipend amount, number of places and final selection criteria have not been published.
Comments
No comments yet.