Endeavor Kenya’s ScaleUp Program – Nurturing High-Growth Ventures in East Africa

Endeavor Kenya, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting high-impact entrepreneurs, has unveiled its groundbreaking ScaleUp Program. Representing a major milestone in their mission, this inaugural cohort-based initiative aims to propel ten high-growth ventures in East Africa to new heights by providing essential resources and an extensive support network.

What is the ScaleUp Program?
At its core, the ScaleUp Program is a transformative 28-month journey designed to guide high-growth founders through the intricate process of scaling their ventures. The program is tailored to identify and assist ten exceptional businesses in East Africa, offering them invaluable insights, mentorship from industry experts, immersive business development training, fundraising support, and the invaluable connections within a peer network of accomplished entrepreneurs.

Key Components of the Endeavor ScaleUp Methodology
The selected entrepreneurs will benefit from the Endeavor ScaleUp methodology, a proven approach that has been refined over time. This methodology combines expert mentorship, immersive training sessions, fundraising assistance, and the power of a strong peer network. Over the program’s duration, participants will gain clarity on their scaling journey and access the tools needed for sustained growth.

Endeavor Kenya’s Vision for High-Growth Companies
According to Ms. Maryanne Ochola, the Managing Director of Endeavor Kenya, scaling high-growth companies is a crucial element for the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The ScaleUp Program is positioned as an exceptional opportunity for ambitious local founders to leverage global expertise and curated services, propelling them toward scalable success.

Qualifying Criteria and Application Process
To be eligible for the inaugural cohort, early-stage businesses in East Africa must have a tech or tech-enabled business model with a viable product. Further requirements include a minimum of $500,000 in annual recurring revenue, a year-on-year growth rate of at least 50%, and a focus on job creation or responsible financial services at scale. The program aims to see significant growth from seed to pre-series A or series A to series B during its term.

How to Participate
For startup founders eager to embark on this transformative journey, applying for the Endeavor Kenya ScaleUp Program is the first step. The application process is accessible here. Kindly note that the deadline for submission of application is 8 December 2023 at 6:00 pm EAT.

Conclusion: Accelerating Entrepreneurial Growth in East Africa
The ScaleUp Program stands out as strategically significant. The emphasis on high-growth companies, coupled with stringent yet achievable qualifying criteria, positions this initiative as a pivotal force for economic development. It’s not just a program; it’s a well-thought-out strategy for nurturing and accelerating business success. As outlined by Ochola, the program aligns perfectly with the region’s evolving ecosystem. It’s an exceptional opportunity for ambitious founders, and I’m eager to witness the transformative impact it will undoubtedly have.