Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana

2025 - Hybrid Program

About the Program

In partnership with Merce Anders Equity Group and the Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub, this program represents a collaborative effort to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Through targeted mentorship, hands-on masterclasses, and ecosystem-driven networking, selected founders will gain the insights and tools needed to scale their ventures successfully.

This hybrid program blends in-person events in Gaborone, Botswana, with virtual masterclasses, making it accessible to founders across Africa while emphasizing in-person engagement for local and regional entrepreneurs.

Note: There is no equity exchange in the Techstars Founder Catalyst program.

Eligibility Criteria

We are looking for early-stage founders who meet the following criteria:

• Startups based in Southern Africa – Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.

• Operating for less than 2-5 years, with a focus on scaling.

• Raised less than $500K USD (7M BWP).

• Monthly revenue below $20K USD (280K BWP).

• Developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with early traction (LOIs, customer discussions, early adopters).

• Incorporation is not required to apply.

Program Benefits

• High-Impact Mentorship – Learn directly from Techstars mentors, investors, and successful entrepreneurs.

• Exclusive Masterclasses – Gain actionable insights on scaling, fundraising, market expansion, and investor readiness.

• Regional & Global Networking – Connect with peers, stakeholders, and Techstars alumni to expand your startup’s reach.

• Hybrid Format – Benefit from a flexible program structure with virtual and in-person sessions.

• Demo Day – Pitch your startup to industry leaders and ecosystem enablers for funding and growth opportunities.

And the best part? No equity required. Just pure value to help you scale.

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is open to early-stage startups based in Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

To qualify, startups must:

• Be early-stage with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) or close to launching.

• Be less than 2-5 years old looking to scale.

• Have raised less than $500K USD in total funding.

• Have a monthly recurring revenue (MRR) below $20K USD.

• Have at least one team member available to attend two in-person events in Botswana.

Can I apply if my startup is registered outside of Southern Africa?

Your startup must be operating in Southern Africa or have clear expansion plans into the region. If your company is registered elsewhere (e.g., the U.S. or Europe), you must outline your expansion strategy in your application.

My startup is pre-revenue—can I still apply?

Yes, pre-revenue startups are eligible, as long as you have:

• A working MVP or a clear roadmap to launch

• Early traction, such as customer interest, partnerships, or pilot programs

Is the program free? Does Techstars take equity?

• Yes, the program is 100% free.

• No equity is taken—startups retain 100% ownership of their business.

Is there any funding or investment provided?

No direct funding or investment is provided.

However, the program prepares startups for fundraising by:

• Offering investor exposure at Demo Day in July 2025.

• Providing mentorship and sessions on fundraising strategies.

• Connecting founders with Techstars’ network.

What is the program schedule?

The Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana program runs for 10 weeks from May 5 to July 20, 2025. It follows a hybrid format with:

• Virtual masterclasses & mentorship sessions (most of the program).

• Two in-person events in Botswana:

📍 Kickoff Event – May 5-9, 2025

📍 Demo Day Week – July 14-20, 2025

What is the weekly time commitment?

4–6 hours per week, including:

• Masterclasses & workshops

• 1:1 mentorship sessions

• Techstars 1:1 and peer group sessions

Do I have to attend the in-person events in Botswana?

• Yes, at least one team member must attend both the Kickoff Event (May 2025) and Demo Day (July 2025) in Gaborone, Botswana.

• Travel & accommodation costs are not covered, and startups are responsible for their own expenses.

Can my co-founder or team member attend on my behalf?

Yes, as long as at least one representative from your startup attends the in-person events.

Does Techstars help with travel costs?

No, Techstars does not cover travel or accommodation expenses.

Is the program conducted in English?

Yes, all sessions, mentorship, and materials are in English. Startups should have at least one team member who is fluent in English to fully participate in the program.

Can solo founders apply, or do I need a team?

Solo founders are welcome to apply, but preference is given to teams of two or more members.

Why?

• Collaboration is key to scaling a business.

• The program requires consistent effort, and a team is better equipped to implement learnings.

If you’re a solo founder, be prepared to show how you can execute effectively.

What makes this program different from a Techstars Accelerator?

• Founder Catalyst is a pre-accelerator – It’s designed to help early-stage startups refine their business model, validate their market fit, and prepare for funding.

• Unlike a Techstars Accelerator, this program does not provide investment and does not take equity.

• Many successful Founder Catalyst startups later join a Techstars Accelerator after gaining traction.

If Techstars doesn’t take equity, what’s the catch?

There’s no catch—the program is 100% free, and Techstars takes zero equity. The goal is to support early-stage founders and strengthen the regional startup ecosystem.

Can I apply if I’m already in another startup program or accelerator?

Yes, as long as there is no conflict. If you’re currently in another program:

• Ensure that you have enough bandwidth to fully participate in the program.

• Make sure your program agreements allow you to join other initiatives.

When is the application deadline?

March 16, 2025 (early applications are prioritized).

Can I update my application after submission?

Applications cannot be edited on F6S after submission. If you need to make an urgent update, contact the program team at africabotswana-foundercatalyst@techstars.com.

When will selected startups be notified?

By mid-April 2025, all applicants will be informed of their selection status.

How do I apply?

You can submit your application here: www.f6s.com/founder-catalyst-africa-botswana/apply.

Can I speak with someone before applying?

You can reach out to the Program Lead, Emilie Vallauri, via email at africabotswana-foundercatalyst@techstars.com.

Team

Partner

About Merce Anders Equity Group

Merce Anders Equity Group is dedicated to advancing innovation and entrepreneurial growth across Africa. By providing mentorship, strategic support, and resources, the group is committed to enabling startups to thrive, scale, and create lasting impact within their communities and beyond.