Tom Jackson
1 min read
Pangea Accelerator
Sector: Urbantech, renewables, infrastructure
We are an accelerator working to build the competence of African startups, as well as providing access to networks and capital to help build sustainable businesses that result in increased employment opportunities for Africa’s young population.
Launched in 2018, Pangea Accelerator aims to help startups scale by connecting them with training, networks and capital. Its goal is to build sustainable businesses that create jobs. To do so, the accelerator provides selected companies with business-intelligence support, including mentorship, business model validation, training and networking opportunities. It also offers funding up to $50,000. “Pangea provides a unique innovative experience, which is an end-to-end solution for startups, starting with business intelligence and leading to provision of innovative deal flows for investors and startups,” says Jonathan Bii, Pangea’s communications lead.
The organization focuses on impact investment in urbantech and urbanization, which it believes are critical yet underdisrupted sectors. It primarily works with African founders with early- or growth-stage businesses in education, health, housing and waste management. Pangea has partnered with UN-Habitat, Habitat for Humanity and the Norwegian government, as well as various corporate entities, to provide appropriate support and connect investors to startups. “We are focused on providing an impactful and enriching experience for program participants,” Jonathan says.
Pangea has supported more than a hundred startups through two accelerator programs and invested in over ten businesses. It has also run innovation competitions, including one at Nairobi Innovation Week, in which six Kenyan startups were selected to attend and pitch at Oslo Innovation Week 2019. Fintech startup WorkPay Africa participated in one of Pangea’s programs and has since accessed a second round of funding after joining the prestigious Silicon Valley–based Y Combinator accelerator. “Through our ShelterTech Accelerator program, Pangea churned out innovative businesses able to impact housing-market systems. The success of these programs in urban living has seen us share our expertise at global forums, including World Cities Day 2019 in Ekaterinburg, Russia,” Jonathan says.
Checklist
- Focus on urbanization.
Each Pangea program is different, but at the heart of them all is a focus on urbantech solutions in various fields. - Have a viable business.
Your startup should have at least piloted its solution and be able to demonstrate traction or revenue. - Build a strong team.
You should have more than one founder in the team, which must also include at least 50 percent women. - Incorporate technical expertise.
Your team needs to have technical expertise in your business focus area.
Application can be sent via
Photo by Selina Onyando
Tom Jackson
Tom Jackson is the co-founder of African tech startup news, research and events platform Disrupt Africa, and a freelance tech and business journalist on the continent.
