Tapona Accelerator
Empowering early-stage founders in the growth of their ventures
Tapona Accelerator is an impact-driven accelerator helping seed and pre-seed ventures create impactful companies. We support founders committed to turning online business and e-commerce apps Startups into high-potential giants.
At Tapona we Accelerate the growth of the most promising entrepreneurs by providing entrepreneurial education, mentorship, and access to capital to grow their businesses.
This is a three-month program, non-residential program, we select 12 early-stage ventures per cohort, with two cohorts per year helping founders to grow, become profitable, and impactful.
The program equips early-stage online Startup and eCommerce apps and integrations solutions that support online stores in scaling their business and increasing daily productivity.
The program gives founders access to validate their business idea, define a minimum viable product, build a sales roadmap, and secure customers to grow their business.
About The Program
Tapona Accelerator is a hands-on business development and growth program designed for seed and early-stage growth ventures. The program has three components: Business Growth strategy, advisory support, and funding and impact.
Program Benefits
- 3-Day In-person learning week, or 2-hrs weekly live virtual sessions (approx. 14 hours of active participation) with Tapona faculty, panels, and roundtables.
- 16 virtual 1:1 Mentorship over three months, with a mentor, expert-led venture-building advice, and support venture pitch.
- Four- 2hr peer-to-peer live sessions forming community with other founders for support and collaboration.
Accelerator Cycle
The Accelerator runs from March to May, and September to November, anchored by cohort-based learning with significant in-person sessions, one-one coaching with mentors, and peer’s round tables. During Pitch Day, Founders close their program by presenting to potential investors and the Tapona community.
What we look for:
- Early- Stage ventures with at least two years of operations, with a minimum of two full-time team
- For-profit ventures transforming and impacting their communities and Ventures looking to raise funding within 6-12 months
- Venture based in East- Africa as the frontier market and seeking accountable community to grow together
- We work with ambitious ventures which create jobs and work in economically marginalized communities and sectors
- At least one full-time founder who can be dedicated to the program
Start your application
Applications for the accelerator program will open in December and in July of every year. The Tapona team reviews the application and notifies selected candidates a month before the program.
Program Fees
We select 7-12 early-stage ventures for each accelerator cohort following a two-step application process. We run a competitive applications process to ensure we get entrepreneurs yarning for growth, to join other high-growth potential entrepreneurs. Unlike many typical accelerators, we are a fee-based rather than equity-based program. The fee enables us as a non-profit to cover some expenses in running the program, which is generously subsidized by our business partners. The fee includes program materials, in-person events, and access to all community support.
FAQs
Can I join if am an applicant outside East Africa through the accelerator program?
No. Tapona Accelerator is only for east Africa or founders with businesses already incorporate in the region.
Are there any investments or revenue thresholds for any venture in order to be eligible?
No. All applicants will be assessed based on the potential of the applicant and their venture.
Are there funding opportunities for my venture?
Tapona provides no direct funding. However, you will receive introductions and have the opportunity to pitch to our extensive network of investors.
What is the time commitment?
The only mandatory programming is the immersion session which includes foundational courses, in-person events, as well as 16 hours of additional classes over the course of the program.
Can I complete any of the educational components remotely?
This program is delivered in person, however, in light of COVID concerns, we will virtually deliver the program to protect the safety of our entrepreneurs, staff, and community. The in-person sessions and events will be communicated during the program.
Do I apply as an individual or as a venture?
As an individual, we want your venture to succeed but our focus is on accelerating the founder. Co-founders from the same venture may apply if they will benefit from the program and can add value to your venture.
How do I attend my interview to be accepted into the program?
All finalists will be interviewed remotely and follow-up instructions will be provided.
Not sure if you qualify for this program or want to learn more? Get in touch with our Program Lead Here