The GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Program is a specialized initiative aimed at empowering African agritech and food-tech startups to become investment-ready, thereby accelerating their growth and impact. This program is part of the broader efforts by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) under the “Scaling Digital Agriculture Innovations through Startups” (SAIS) project. It is designed to support innovative startups that have the potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and food security across the African continent.
The program focuses on preparing startups to attract investment by enhancing their business models, improving financial management, and refining their pitches to investors. Over the course of the program, participating startups receive tailored support that includes mentoring from industry experts, access to a network of potential investors, and opportunities to showcase their businesses at major events. The goal is to equip these startups with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure funding, scale their operations, and expand their impact.
One of the key features of the GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Program is its hands-on, practical approach. Startups are guided through the process of refining their business strategies, with a strong emphasis on aligning their operations with investor expectations. This includes developing robust financial models, creating compelling value propositions, and preparing detailed investment pitches. The program also covers essential topics such as intellectual property rights, legal compliance, and market expansion strategies, ensuring that startups are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses.
The program is highly competitive, with a rigorous selection process to identify startups that have a strong potential for growth and a clear impact on agriculture and food systems in Africa. Selected startups benefit from personalized coaching sessions and workshops that address their specific needs and challenges. Additionally, they gain access to a network of industry leaders, investors, and other startups, facilitating valuable connections that can lead to partnerships and further opportunities for growth.
A significant outcome of the GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Program is the increased visibility and credibility it provides to participating startups. By participating in the program, startups are positioned as credible and investment-worthy ventures, which enhances their attractiveness to potential investors. Many graduates of the program go on to secure significant investment, enabling them to scale their operations and increase their impact on the agricultural sector.
The GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Program is a critical initiative that supports African agritech and food-tech startups in their journey to becoming investment-ready. By providing tailored support, mentorship, and access to a network of investors, the program plays a vital role in helping these startups scale their innovations and contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa.
The SAIS Investment Readiness Programme (IRP) offers a year-long, tailor-made company development programme for African tech start-ups in agriculture, livestock, food, and climate.
Requirements For The GIZ-SAIS Investment Readiness Program
To be eligible for the programme, your company must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be registered in Africa
- Be for-profit
- Have a minimum viable product
- Have a digital or tech-enabled solution for the agriculture, food or livestock value chain
- Have a management team of at least two people
- Have evidence of traction (paying customers, first revenue)
- Contribute to climate change adaptation, income generation and/or food & nutrition security
Benefits
Selected start-ups receive services worth up to 35,000 EUR including:
- Mentorship and coaching with local and international experts tailored to your specific needs to develop and implement strategies for rapid growth.
- Additional services & technical resources to optimise certain key areas of your business, e.g. legal advice, online marketing, digital product optimization, design, and coding.
- Individual trainings, e.g. pitch training, growth strategy, data analytics & management, term sheet, valuation, market analysis, marketing & sales.
- Investment and partnership facilitation, e.g. guidance on fundraising strategy, preparation of fundraising rounds, support for due-diligence processes, introduction to investors & funds.
- Networking and showcasing opportunities at two in-person community events scheduled back-to-back with the Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi, and one additional sector conference (travel costs for one representative from each start-up are covered by the programme).
- Community exchanges and peer-learning, e.g. virtual group trainings and workshops, company visits, deal rooms, topical exchanges and inputs from external speakers and guests.
Application Deadline: September 2nd, 2024.
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