Cape Venture Bridge Opens for Western Cape Startups

In Short

Cape Venture Bridge is a new six month programme run by AfricArise to help Western Cape tech startups get ready for international venture capital and expansion into new markets.

Twenty startups will be selected for the first cohort. Applications are open until November 15.

What Happened: What Cape Venture Bridge Offers

AfricArise, part of the AfricArena network, is delivering the programme with support from the Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT).

Selected startups will get training on market entry beyond South Africa, cross border finance and regulation, and investor pitching. They will also receive at least 12 hours of one on one mentorship and ZAR125,000 (US$7,500) in tech credits through programme partners.

All participants will take part in a public pitch event in Cape Town.

The top five startups will join a fully funded delegation to GITEX Africa in Morocco, which takes place in April next year. The programme will arrange investor and partner meetings ahead of their arrival.

Dan Mabbyalas, director of programmes at AfricArise, said, “Cape Town founders are building companies ready to compete well beyond our borders. The Cape Venture Bridge gives them the investment readiness, the mentorship, and for the top five, a seat at GITEX Africa in Morocco, where investors and partners are looking for exactly what the Western Cape has to offer.”

Why It Matters: Who Can Apply And What The Programme Targets

The programme is open to technology or innovation driven startups registered and operating in the Western Cape. It is open across sectors including SaaS (software sold by subscription), climate tech, agritech, fintech, e commerce and e health.

Applicants must be planning to enter international markets within the next 12 months. They must be led by at least two co founders or full time team members able to attend programme activities.

Mabbyalas said the programme is particularly keen to receive applications from women and young founders across the province.

Over its first 12 months, Cape Venture Bridge aims to support 40 startups across two cohorts, deliver more than 80 pre arranged investor meetings and 50 business to business introductions, and help facilitate over ZAR3 million (US$180,000) in capital.