African Early-stage Startups Invited to Apply for FTxSDG’s $500k Challenge

The Financial Times in partnership with Swiss-based venture firm Seedstars has invited African startups to apply for the first FTxSDG Challenge.

The FTxSDG Challenge aims to empower promising, impact-driven startups and entrepreneurs with learning and funding opportunities.

The challenge will focus on bringing early-stage startups from emerging markets and individual entrepreneurs looking towards creating innovative solutions to global problems.

A total of 150 startups and individuals will be invited to pitch real-time business solutions and innovative strategies with a focus on the SDGs of the United Nation.

The event will run for one month and participants will be given access to the Investment Readiness Sessions by Seedstars and a five-day event filled with workshops, masterclasses, talks, mentoring, and networking hosted by FT and Seedstars experts.

Successful startups will be fast-tracked to the Seedstars Investments Fund and have the opportunity to secure up to $500k in funding.

Alisee De Tonnac, CEO, Seedstars expressed joy while saying that working with Financial Times will further amplify the program.

“Seedstars is very excited to launch the FTxSDG Challenge. Since 2013, our team has been organizing the Seedstars World Competition created to support and invest in impact-driven entrepreneurs from emerging markets.

“Working with Financial Times, we’re confident that this mission can be amplified together in the FTxSDG Challenge.

“Looking forward to seeing our combined efforts provide the entrepreneurs with even more resources and a larger global community of expert mentors and investors”.

Jon Slade, Financial Time’s Chief Commercial Officer, also speaking said: “We’re excited to see FT Talent grow to include supporting early startups, as well as young professionals who are passionate about technology and entrepreneurship.

“Partnering with Seedstars is a game-changing opportunity to collaborate and make a positive impact towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals”.

The selected themes are Gender Equality, Climate Action, Quality Education – supported by the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR), Good Jobs and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities, and Good Health and Wellbeing.

Applications are open to startups and innovators until November 1, 2021. Interested early-stage startups can click here to apply.