Deadline: July 21, 2025
The AfroTech Conference Founder Circle 2025 Cohort is a premier accelerator-style programme created to empower early-stage Black tech entrepreneurs with critical tools for growth, investor engagement, and community building. Organised by Blavity Inc. and integrated into the annual AfroTech Conference, the initiative is a launchpad for visionary founders looking to scale impactful businesses across Africa and the diaspora.
Whether you’re navigating the early stages of your startup or preparing for investor conversations, the AfroTech Conference Founder Circle 2025 Cohort offers the structure, access, and community support to help you thrive.
About the Programme
The Founder Circle is a curated experience that supports pre-seed to Series A Black tech founders from a wide range of industries. It is specifically designed to enhance fundraising readiness, elevate storytelling and pitch strategies, and provide unprecedented access to AfroTech’s expansive network of investors, tech leaders, and business experts.
Target Sectors
Founders from the following sectors are especially encouraged to apply:
- MedTech
- Energy & Sustainability
- Creator Economy
- Cybersecurity
- Frontier Technology
- Telecom & Connectivity
Applicants should have demonstrable traction, a compelling go-to-market plan, and potential for scale, even if they are yet to secure external funding.
Key Benefits for Selected Founders
Participants in the AfroTech Conference Founder Circle 2025 Cohort receive an exclusive package of resources and exposure, including:
- Free Premier Ticket to the AfroTech Conference 2025, including access to the invite-only Founders Summit Stage
- VC Office Hours: One-on-one meetings with top venture capitalists to refine strategy and pitches
- Storytelling & Fundraising Workshops: Tailored sessions to polish your narrative and pitch delivery
- Monthly Virtual Sessions: Continuous learning and support before and after the conference
- Exclusive Peer Network: Join a vibrant community of over 200 diverse tech founders
This immersive support is designed to build founder confidence, sharpen business models, and increase visibility among investors and strategic partners.
AfroTech Conference 2025 – Programme Integration
All accepted cohort members will receive access to the AfroTech Conference 2025, taking place from October 27 to 31, 2025 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
AfroTech is recognised as one of the largest multicultural tech events in the world, offering rich programming, networking opportunities, innovation showcases, and sector-specific panels that serve as a catalyst for Black tech excellence.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AfroTech Conference Founder Circle 2025 Cohort, applicants must:
- Identify as Black or African-descended
- Be founders of tech-enabled startups at the pre-seed to Series A stages
- Be actively building scalable solutions in one or more of the target sectors
- Be able to attend virtual programming and participate fully in the AfroTech 2025 Conference
Application Process
Required Information:
- Personal and startup details
- Sector focus and current traction
- Fundraising readiness and capital needs
- Vision and goals for participating in the cohort
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with selections made based on business potential, founder readiness, and alignment with AfroTech’s mission.
Final Thoughts
The AfroTech Conference Founder Circle 2025 Cohort is more than just a tech founder programme—it’s a community-driven movement aimed at transforming access to capital and opportunity for Black entrepreneurs across the globe. If you’re building a future-ready startup and are eager to scale with the support of a values-aligned network, this is the opportunity for you.
For assistance with crafting your application or pitch deck, contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
