Early-stage African startups are being invited to apply for a unique opportunity to secure investment during exclusive pitch sessions set to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, next month. A total of ZAR25 million (approximately US$1.5 million) has been earmarked to support innovative founders operating across the continent.
The initiative is spearheaded by Alexandria Procter, entrepreneur and former co-founder of DigsConnect in South Africa, who now leads Pharos Ventures. She has teamed up with a network of early-stage investors to discover and support Africa’s most promising startups. The goal is to identify standout ventures with strong potential for growth and impact.
During the pitch event, founders at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages will have just 10 minutes to pitch their business for a share of the funding. This high-pressure format is designed to spotlight startups with clear value propositions and scalable solutions that can attract investor confidence.
“African founders are among the most driven and innovative entrepreneurs in the world,” said Procter. “They are solving deep-rooted problems within their communities and creating products that have the potential to transform industries. Our mission is to fuel that momentum by connecting passionate founders to global investment opportunities.”
Applications for the Cape Town pitch sessions are open until October 17. Interested founders are encouraged to apply early, as competition is expected to be intense. The event promises not only investment opportunities but also valuable exposure to a community of supportive investors and ecosystem partners.


