Rwandan Startups Get Shot at €100K in Fresh Funding Drive
High-potential startups in Rwanda have a fresh shot at securing non-dilutive funding as the third cohort of the develoPPP Ventures programme officially opens applications.
Spearheaded by DEG Impulse GmbH, in partnership with VC4A and Impact Hub Kigali, the initiative continues its focus on supporting businesses that advance sustainable economic, social, and environmental development.
“Rwandan startups are proving they can scale impactful businesses with the right backing,” said Alejandro Jiménez, Managing Director at Impact Hub Kigali. “This programme is about identifying those with real potential and helping them move from idea to sustainable enterprise.”
Backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the programme offers €100,000 to selected startups, alongside targeted technical support. The funding is designed to strengthen operations and prepare businesses for further investment, without asking founders to give up equity.
Julia Stausberg-Umuerri of DEG Impulse described the cohort as part of a broader effort to attract private capital into early-stage businesses in Africa.
“We are delighted to launch a new develoPPP Ventures cohort and advance the programme’s goal of building a strong pipeline of high-impact startups while catalysing additional private sector investment in the region."
The third call builds on the momentum of two earlier cohorts, which saw promising enterprises access both financial support and hands-on mentorship.
Past participant Yvette Ishimwe, founder of Iriba Water Group, said the programme’s technical assistance was instrumental in managing business demands while acquiring new skills.
“I think the intentionality in offering technical assistance stood out to me. It saved me time, allowed me to have that task completed while running my business, and allowed me to learn how to do it. That’s something unique.”
To be eligible, applicants must be registered in Rwanda or planning to register soon. Companies must also show they can raise match-funding, have received no more than €2 million in prior investment, and project to break even within three years. The programme places emphasis on gender equity, urging women-led ventures to apply.