Obuntu Launchpad Fellowship 2023 for African Entrepreneurs

The Obuntu Foundation has announced applications for its second programme, which aims to catalyse, accelerate, and support emerging venture capital fund managers in Africa.  Apply below.

When is Application Deadline: Next Class begins September 2023

Tell Me About Award: An invite-only 8-week virtual Fellowship for first-time Fund Managers razor-focused on Africa. We select up to 15 Fellows and support them on their journey to launch & accelerate their first investment vehicle.

The Obuntu Foundation, in an effort to foster innovation and economic growth in Africa, has established the Obuntu Launchpad Fellowship, which is co-designed with and delivered by African and global leaders in VC. 

The Launchpad’s sessions are driven by leaders from pre-eminent African VCs like Partech, TLcom and Helios, as well as global VCs like Hustle Fund, Better Tomorrow Ventures and Rarebreed Ventures.

Type: Fellowship

Who can Apply? The Fellows we are looking for will:

• range in profiles from local startup and corporate operators to experienced senior roles within a VC fund,
• have experience investing in Africa (if even angel investing),
• be seriously considering or have started to work towards building their new fund.

We aim to keep our Classes at least 50% female, 100% either already living in or about to return to Africa, and 80% with startup and Africa experience.

How are Applicants Selected?

• Attendance: 75% or more on all sessions
• Assignments: 100% completion
• Feedback: 100% completion of feedback forms

Which Countries are Eligible? African countries

How Many Awards? We accept up to 15 Fellows per Class.

What is the Benefit of Award? The Obuntu Launchpad Fellowship is currently free of charge so Fellows don’t have to pay to attend.

Our curriculum has been co-designed with and is delivered by African and global leaders in VC. Sessions are driven by leaders from pre-eminent African VCs like RareBreed, TLcom, and Helios; Global superstar VCs like the Hustle Fund, Better Tomorrow Ventures, Rarebreed Ventures — as well as LPs that create change in Africa like the Small Foundation, BlinkCV and Capricorn.

That’s just a few of the names that work with us — more to come.

Over the course of 8 weeks, the Fellowship focuses on providing Fellows with knowledge, community, and resources. Some highlights:

• Topics. Thesis development, building a track record, warehousing deals, building a winning Fund Deck, fund economics, and identifying & engaging LPs.
• Session Leads. An amazing lineup of guests, including Helios, Partech, TLcom, Hustle Fund, Better Tomorrow Ventures, the Small Foundation, and BII – to name a few.
• Community. Fellows also get the opportunity to put what is shared to practice and have the community (including LPs) respond to portfolio/fund pitches.

How Long will Award Last? The mostly virtual 8-week Fellowship is mostly 2-3 hour scheduled Zoom sessions focused on either content, context, or community. We expect Fellows to commit 5 hours per week (could be more if you want to dive deeper, and engage further).

How to Apply: Obuntu Launchpad is an invite-only Fellowship so if you want to take part you must be nominated by a peer or colleague. Once we receive a nomination from one of your colleagues, the top candidates will be invited to complete the application.

Visit Award Webpage for Details