At GrantsDatabase and Oluwole Consults, we know that many African founders struggle not because their ideas lack potential—but because they are not investment-ready. The funding landscape can feel like a maze, and choosing the wrong path often leads to wasted time, missed opportunities, and in some cases, startup failure.
That’s why we are excited to announce the launch of the Investment Readiness Accelerator Series for African Startups—a monthly webinar series designed to equip founders with the insights, tools, and strategies they need to secure funding and scale successfully.
Why This Series Matters
African startups raised over $3.5 billion in funding in 2023, yet the majority of these funds went to a handful of sectors and a small number of countries. Thousands of other promising ventures continue to face barriers such as:
- Lack of clarity on the right type of funding to pursue.
- Poorly prepared financial models and pitch decks.
- Limited understanding of investor expectations and due diligence.
- A mismatch between startup needs and donor/investor priorities.
The Investment Readiness Accelerator Series is here to bridge this gap—providing actionable knowledge, real-world examples, and access to funding opportunities tailored to African entrepreneurs.
How It Works
- Frequency: Once a month.
- Format: 60–75 minutes of high-impact content.
- Structure:
- Mini-keynote insights from experts.
- Case spotlight on real startup stories.
- Interactive Q&A where founders get answers to their toughest funding questions.
- Funding spotlight from GrantsDatabase featuring live opportunities.
Every session is free to attend and designed for early to growth-stage founders, social entrepreneurs, and SMEs looking to navigate the complex world of startup financing.
Our First Session: Grant vs. Equity vs. Debt – Picking the Right Funding Path
We’ll kick off the series with one of the most pressing questions for any startup:
👉 Should you fund your business with grants, equity, or debt?
During this session, we’ll unpack:
- The pros and cons of each funding option.
- Which path best fits your business model and stage.
- Case studies of African startups that succeeded—or failed—based on their funding choices.
- Practical tips on how to approach each option strategically.
We’ll also spotlight live grant calls, equity accelerators, and SME loan programs currently available to African founders.
Who Should Attend?
- Founders and co-founders of early- and growth-stage startups.
- Social entrepreneurs building impact-driven ventures.
- SMEs exploring alternative financing options.
- Anyone serious about building a fundable and sustainable business in Africa.
What You’ll Gain
- A clear understanding of the funding landscape.
- Actionable insights from experts and real founder stories.
- Access to live, relevant funding opportunities curated by GrantsDatabase.
- A growing community of founders and investors.
How to Join
- Date: Saturday 27th September, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM WAT
- Platform: Online (Zoom / Webinar)
- Registration: grantsdatabase.org/webinars
Seats are limited—secure your spot today!
A Joint Initiative
This series is powered by:
- Oluwole Consults – trusted advisors in business development, investment readiness, and project management.
- GrantsDatabase – Africa’s fast-growing platform for funding opportunities, connecting entrepreneurs with the grants, competitions, and programs they need to grow.
Together, we are building a future where more African startups are not just starting—but thriving, scaling, and getting funded.
👉 Stay tuned for updates, speaker announcements, and resources from each session. Follow us on [LinkedIn] for the latest news.
📢 Join us for the first session and take the first step toward becoming investment-ready.
