The New Venture Competition (NVC), a conference highlight, is a pitch competition for early-stage ventures, designed to showcase a new generation of innovators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participants will get a chance to win up to $30,000 in non-equity financing and network with top founders and investors from across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top finalists will pitch their startups to a panel of esteemed judges at the conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stage 1: Forms are collected<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Enter the NVC with your early-stage venture. Showcase your groundbreaking idea and grab a chance to secure up to $30,000 in non-equity financing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stage 2: 20 Semi-Finalist are chosen<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Semi-finalists will connect with top founders and investors from across Africa and benefit from exclusive masterclasses to strengthen their business acumen and build a robust foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stage 3:10 Finalists are selected<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Finalists get to pitch their startups to esteemed judges, vying for recognition and support to turn their innovation into a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What they are looking for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the multitude of applications they receive, they will choose 10 finalists. Here are a few factors to consider that can enhance the strength of your idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The WABF New Venture Competition (NVC) seeks to elevate founders creating innovative products, solutions, or services that strategically tackle Africa\u2019s biggest and most urgent challenges. To participate in the NVC, founders must meet the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Business must be at a pre-seed or seed stage (business must have raised no more than $150K)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Business must primarily serve the African market, though it does not have to be domiciled in Africa<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Business must be less than three (3) years in operation, with no more than 50 employees<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Business must not be a recipient of any previous funding from the WABF NVC<\/p>\n\n\n\n JUDGING CRITERIA<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The strength of an application will be assessed against the following broad category areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2013 Founding Team Experience<\/strong>: Does the current team have the required skills for execution? Is there a track record of building meaningful things and\/or an exceptional career trajectory? How has the management team performed since the inception of the company\/product<\/p>\n\n\n\n