In a major step toward strengthening Tunisia’s innovation landscape, 216 Capital has partnered with global innovation platform Plug and Play to launch the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator by Plug and Play, a six-month program designed to empower Tunisian startups with the resources, funding, and international exposure needed to scale successfully.
Dhekra Khelifi, Partner at 216 Capital, commented:
This program marks an important milestone for the Tunisian ecosystem. By joining forces with Plug and Play, we are giving local founders the tools to structure their businesses, raise capital, and access international markets.
The accelerator will select up to 20 high-potential startups, each receiving €50,000 (approximately $58,600) in initial funding. In addition to financial support, participants will benefit from tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to Plug and Play’s extensive global network of investors, corporate partners, and industry experts. Top-performing startups may also qualify for follow-on investments to further fuel their growth.
The initiative aims to:
- Mobilize greater investment into Tunisian startups through 216 Capital and Plug and Play Africa Ventures.
- Position Tunisia as a regional innovation hub within Africa and the MENA region.
- Inspire globally visible success stories that reflect the country’s entrepreneurial potential.
Yves Cabanac, Managing Director France, Benelux, Afrique at Plug and Play, stated:
Tunisia has already proven its ability to produce globally relevant innovations. With this program, we aim to accelerate that momentum by identifying high-potential startups, aligning them with global standards, and channeling new investment flows into the country. Our ambition is to position Tunisia as a transregional innovation hub, bridging local talent with global opportunities.
Plug and Play brings deep regional expertise and a strong track record in startup acceleration, including its role as the training and investing partner of the Visa Africa Fintech Accelerator. Its involvement ensures that Tunisian startups will be exposed to world-class methodologies and international market opportunities.
216 Capital is backed by Anava, a €100 million fund of funds managed by Smart Capital, which is dedicated to catalyzing Tunisia’s venture capital industry. Anava has already committed over €45 million across 10 VC funds, including 216 Capital’s, with support from global development institutions such as the World Bank (via CDC) and KfW, the German development bank.
This accelerator is part of Tunisia’s broader national strategy to build a robust, sustainable startup ecosystem. It reflects a collective commitment to transforming Tunisia into a competitive innovation hub that can attract global attention and investment.
