JAID is bringing Japanese funding closer to African startups

The Japan-Africa Investment Drive (JAID) is a cohort-based investment accelerator that aims to match high-potential African startups with suitable Japanese venture capital (VC) firms.

JAID will also provide close support to both the startups and the VCs throughout the engagement to maximize the prospect of investment.

Programme details: Highlighted below are more details on the programme, eligibility criteria, programme timeline and benefits.

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Investment pitch and refinement
Introduction to investors
Introduction to Japanese venture space
Follow-up engagements
Pitch refinement
Introduction to Japanese venture space
Demo day
Investor introduction
Follow-up engagements, etc.

The Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for selection, applicants must meet the following criteria-

Be African-based B2B, B2C & B2B2C startups
Have Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in place
Have at least a $5m valuation
Post MVP
Post Traction (minimum of $10k MRR) of the startup
$500k investment and above

Programme Benefits: Successful applicants stand the chance to enjoy the following benefits-

Receive direct investment
Direct investment from a partner venture capital firm Japan Strategic Capital (JSC)
Close support

The over 15 Japanese VCs on the curated list will be exposed to the chosen startups. The investor engagement will also get close support, including meeting scheduling, pitch deck translation, and the provision of interpreters for investor meetings.

Support for fundraising selected startups will receive extensive legal, cultural, and administrative assistance during the financing process on how to attract and close Japanese investment. customized one-on-one training and group seminars will also be offered.

Programme Timeline: December 19th: Applications close on December 19 after which eligible startups will be selected. Further timeline details are highlighted below-

Investment accelerator: Defining investment fit
Pitch refinement – Introduction to Japanese venture space
January 31st 2023: Demo day

You may click here to apply.