new venture competition
About the New
Venture Competition
The New Venture Competition (NVC), a conference highlight, is a pitch competition for early-stage ventures, designed to showcase a new generation of innovators.
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.
Top finalists will pitch their startups to a panel of esteemed judges at the conference.
View judging criteriaParticipants will get a chance to win up to $30,000 in non-equity financing and network with top founders and investors from across Africa.
Top finalists will pitch their startups to a panel of esteemed judges at the conference.
Application closes
Win up to
$30,000
non-equity financing
Pitch your concept to influential VCs and investors
Present your innovative idea to decision-makers who can transform it into reality at the NVC competition. Seize your chance for growth and impact.
Network with top founders and investors
Connect and collaborate with industry pioneers and investors as an NVC participant. Build invaluable relationships for your venture's success.
Gain Global exposure
Elevate your idea above the bustling forum chatter, gaining the leverage and momentum needed for a successful launch right from the start.
The process
Stage 1
Forms are collected
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.
Stage 2
10 Finalists are selected
Finalists get to pitch their startup to esteemed judges, vying for recognition and support to turn their innovation into a reality.
Stage 3
Winners are announced
In an exciting third stage of the WABF NVC, we select the future game-changers. These winners epitomize African innovation and entrepreneurship, poised to reshape industries and impact lives.
Get inspired
finalists across the years
lendanarm
Established in 2017, Project Lend an Arm is Nigeria's first smart blood bank, situated in Oyo state. Using advanced tech like AI, IoT, and drones, it aims to efficiently provide safe blood to patients in need, resolving Nigeria's blood shortage.
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Trekk
A Nigerian-based modern transportation company, redefining traditional means of people's movement through technology and talent. Introducing "a new way to TREKK" to revolutionize daily navigation in Nigeria.
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ScholarX
Founded in 2016, ScholarX enhances access to quality education for young Africans through scholarships, crowdfunding (Village), and e-learning, bridging the funding gap domestically and internationally.
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Bacprep
A leading provider of affordable test prep in Côte d'Ivoire and French-speaking Africa, BACprep assists students preparing for the baccalaureate exam, addressing access issues due to financial constraints.
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Aspire
An innovative and affordable power solutions company that you can always count on. Aspire is there to power your dreams and continue serving you, one home, one business at a time.
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Iludio
Established in 2015, Iludio simplifies wedding planning for Nigerian and Ghanaian weddings, serving globally. Originating as a vendor discovery platform, it evolved to offer wedding and baby registries, assisting numerous registry owners in Nigeria.
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What we are
looking for
From the multitude of applications we receive, we will choose 10 finalists. Here are a few factors to consider that can enhance the strength of your idea.
application closedFounding Team Experience
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?
Market and Traction
Is there a demonstrated need or gap in the market that the startup’s solutions solve? Is the total addressable market substantial enough to make this a lucrative investment opportunity? How is the market for the product/service growing and/or changing?
Product Design and Business Model
Semi-finalists will connect with top founders and investors from across Africa and benefit from exclusive masterclasses to strengthen thier business acumen and build a robust foundation.
Impact
How well does the solution tackle at least one of the UN's SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)?
