Techstars Founder Catalyst

Building a thriving startup ecosystem in Botswana ???? and Southern Africa Last night, we launched?Techstars Startup Community Catalyst Africa Botswana, kicking off a two-year journey to strengthen the regional tech ecosystem and unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs in the region. After some inspiring introductory words from our partner Moagi Onkabetse (Merce Anders Equity Group), we hosted a panel discussion on what it takes to build a sustainable startup ecosystem in Botswana and beyond featuring the insights of Sithembile Dingake, Vikash Ponangi, and Bonolo T.. A few key takeaways stood out: 1???Access to risk capital remains a challenge.?Founders need more funding opportunities to scale. 2???Botswana is at a turning point.?With a new government and shifting national priorities, now is the time to accelerate the local startup and tech ecosystem. 3???Think beyond borders.?Botswana can be a strong launchpad, but the most successful startups will be those that scale regionally and across the continent. 4???Feedback is a founder’s superpower.?The ability to take constructive input and iterate is what separates great entrepreneurs from the rest. 5???Community is everything.?A strong ecosystem provides support, connections, and a network that fuels long-term success. 6???Entrepreneurial spirit is everywhere.?In Botswana and Southern Africa, most people juggle a job, a side hustle, and sometimes even a side-side hustle. The creativity and resilience of this community are truly inspiring. Through?Techstars Startup Community Catalyst Africa Botswana, we’ll support: ???60 pre-seed startups?in becoming funding-ready through?Techstars Founder Catalyst ???Hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs?in launching their ventures through?Techstars Startup Weekend It’s an incredible privilege to help lay the foundations for the next generation of entrepreneurs in Southern Africa. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this milestone—this is just the beginning! Thank you to all involved, from the bottom of my heart. Moagi Onkabetse, Bertha Caesar, Nicolette Chinomona (MBA), Sebastian "Sebi" Turano, Zoe Evans, Steven Kinvi, Emily Skinstad, Katie Smith. A massive thank you to my amazing team Elham Noor and Shamail Malik without whom this could not have been possible. Thank you to Botswana Digital & Innovation Hub for having us in their amazing premise!

???? ?????????? ????????. Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana isn’t just a program: - It’s a program full of mentors who’ve built what you’re building. - It’s a network that extends beyond borders and opens doors you didn’t know existed. - It's a Demo Day designed to get your startup noticed. And in ???? ??????????, this path will no longer be an option. If this is for you, the door is open. ?????? ?????? ???????? ????????. ?? ?????????? ???????????? ?????????? ????: https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM ?????? ???????? ??????????????, ?????????? ?????? ?????????????? ????????: https://lnkd.in/dccti-U3? #TechstarsAfrica #FounderCatalyst #BotswanaStartups #Entrepreneurship #SouthernAfricaStartups Techstars | Merce Anders Equity Group | Moagi Onkabetse | Bertha Caesar | Emilie Vallauri | Elham Noor | Shamail Malik | Emily Skinstad | Katie Smith | Nicolette Chinomona (MBA)

Apply by March 16: https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM

?????? ?????????? ?? ????????: ???????? ???????? ???????????? ???? ?????????? For some founders, ?May 5 will mark the beginning of Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana—a 10-week journey of transformation, mentorship, strategy, and a network that shifts the trajectory of their startup. For others, it will be just another Monday. The difference? ?????? ????????????????. - Time Left: 5 days. - What’s Required: A startup, a vision, and the courage to step forward. - What’s at Stake: A missed chance to connect with global mentors, key stakeholders, and a founder community that opens doors. Five days from now, this window will close. ?????????? ???????????? ?????????? ????: https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM ?????? ???????? ??????????????, ?????????? ?????? ?????????????? ????????: https://lnkd.in/dccti-U3 #TechstarsAfrica #FounderCatalyst #BotswanaStartups #Entrepreneurship #SouthernAfricaStartups Techstars | Merce Anders Equity Group | Moagi Onkabetse | Bertha Caesar | Emilie Vallauri | Elham Noor | Shamail Malik | Emily Skinstad | Katie Smith | Nicolette Chinomona (MBA)

With just 10 days left, the clock is ticking for founders across Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa to apply for Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana. Don’t miss out—apply now!? https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM

?????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ????????????????: ???? ??????????. ?? ???????????? ???? ????????????. What if the next 10 weeks could change the next 10 years of your startup? Not through luck. Not through theory. But through the right strategy, network, and momentum at the right time For some, that moment is Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana. - 10 weeks of clarity. Because guessing your way through growth isn’t a strategy. - The right people at the right time. Because one conversation can change everything. - A process that forces action. Because startups don’t have the luxury of waiting. If you’re an early-stage founder in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, this isn’t about checking another box. It’s about accelerating the decisions that move your startup forward. ???????? ?????? ???? ?????????? ??, ???????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? ?????????? ?? ???????????????? ????????: https://lu.ma/vb6azdww ?????????? ???????????????? ???? ?????????? ????, ???????? ?? ?????????? ??????: https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM Your startup won’t wait—why should you? #TechstarsAfrica #FounderCatalyst #SouthernAfrica #Startups #Entrepreneurship Techstars | Merce Anders Equity Group | Moagi Onkabetse | Bertha Caesar | Emilie Vallauri | Elham Noor | Shamail Malik | Emily Skinstad | Katie Smith | Nicolette Chinomona (MBA)

???????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ?????? ?????????? ?????? —?????? ????????’?? ???????? The questions founders ask tell us a lot about what truly matters. At our first AMA on February 5, one theme was clear: early-stage founders in Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa are looking for more than just funding—they need the right structure, network, and insights to scale effectively. The Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana exists to bridge these gaps. The questions we received weren’t abstract—they were about what truly defines this program: - How does mentorship work beyond just advice? - What happens after the program ends? How do founders continue to grow within the Techstars network? - How does the program balance virtual and in-person elements across five countries? These are the kinds of conversations that drive our 10-week hybrid program—which is why we’re continuing them in AMA 2 on March 5. If you missed the first session or want deeper insights, this is your opportunity to ask real, direct questions about what the program actually delivers. ?? ???????? ??????: ?????????? ??, ???????? ?? ???????????????? ????????: https://lu.ma/vb6azdww With ???????????????????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????? ????, the next few weeks are crucial. If you’re considering applying, now’s the time to engage. ?????????? ??????: https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM #TechstarsAfrica #FounderCatalyst #Botswana #SouthernAfrica #Entrepreneurship Techstars | Merce Anders Equity Group | Moagi Onkabetse | Bertha Caesar | Emilie Vallauri | Elham Noor | Shamail Malik | Emily Skinstad | Katie Smith | Nicolette Chinomona (MBA)

?????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ????????????????: ????? ??????’???? ???????????????? ?????????? ????, ??????????. Entrepreneurs in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe—your startup deserves more than just staying afloat. It deserves to thrive, scale, and make a lasting impact. ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????????? ?????????? ???????? ???????? ?????? ?????????????? ????????????????????. - Struggling to find the right mentors? - Unsure how to refine your MVP or attract investors? - Need a network that truly understands Southern Africa’s startup landscape? That’s exactly where Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana comes in. - A 10-week hybrid program (May 5 – July 20, 2025) built to support your startup. - Sector-agnostic & founder-focused—we work with driven entrepreneurs from all industries. - A powerful regional & global network—mentors, investors, and alumni who can help you grow. - Exclusive Demo Day to showcase your startup. ?? A startup’s turning point isn’t always obvious—but it’s often the moment a founder steps into the right room, with the right people, and decides to go all in. ???????????????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ????, ????????. ?????????? ??????:?https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM Still have questions? Join us for our live ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????? ?? to get insider insights: https://lu.ma/vb6azdww You’ve been considering it. You’ve been waiting for the right time. ???????? ???? ????. #TechstarsAfrica #Startups #SouthernAfrica #Botswana #Entrepreneurship Techstars | Merce Anders Equity Group | Moagi Onkabetse | Bertha Caesar | Emilie Vallauri | Elham Noor | Shamail Malik | Emily Skinstad | Katie Smith | Nicolette Chinomona (MBA)

?????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????? ????????????: ?? ????????-?????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ??????????????????! One of the most common questions we hear: ?“?????? ?????????????????? ?????????????? ???????????????? ???????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????? ???? ????????????????—???????? ???????? ???????? ?? ??????’?? ?????????? ???? ??’?? ???????? ?????????????? ???????????????” Here’s the answer: This 10-week hybrid program (May 5 – July 20, 2025) is open to early-stage founders in five eligible countries: Botswana ????, Namibia ????, Zambia ????, South Africa ????, and Zimbabwe ????. If you're based in one of these five countries, you're eligible to apply! While the program features select in-person components in Botswana, it is primarily virtual, ensuring full accessibility for founders across all five eligible countries. Don’t miss out on: - Expert-led masterclasses and mentorship from global industry leaders - Access to a high-impact startup network across Southern Africa - The opportunity to showcase your progress at an exclusive Demo Day ???????????????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ????, ????????. ?????????? ??????: https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM Still have questions? Join us for our ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????? ???to get all your questions answered: https://lu.ma/vb6azdww Founders across Southern Africa are seizing this opportunity—don’t miss your chance! #TechstarsAfrica #Startups #SouthernAfrica #Botswana #Entrepreneurship Techstars | Merce Anders Equity Group | Moagi Onkabetse | Bertha Caesar | Emilie Vallauri | Elham Noor | Shamail Malik | Emily Skinstad | Katie Smith | Nicolette Chinomona (MBA)

????????’?? ?????? ?????????????? ?????????????????? ???????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????? ?????????? ??????? ?? Is it securing funding? Finding the right mentors? Understanding your market? Every founder hits roadblocks—but you don’t have to tackle them alone. Techstars Founder Catalyst Africa Botswana is here to connect you with the tools, mentorship, and network you need to take your startup to the next level. We’re looking for pre-seed startups from Southern Africa that: - Have an MVP – You’ve built something real and are ready to refine it. - Have early traction – Whether it’s LOIs, first customers, or strong partnerships. - Are solving real challenges – Your startup is tackling meaningful problems in your industry. - Haven’t raised more than $500K USD – You’re still in the early days, but aiming big. We’re sector-agnostic, meaning we welcome startups from any industry. If you're an early-stage startup with an MVP and a vision to create meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply! Want to learn more before applying? Join us for an ?????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????? ?? to get insider insights and have your questions answered: https://lu.ma/vb6azdww ???????????????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ????, ????????. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/en9ZP5KM Your vision, our support—let’s make it happen! #TechstarsAfrica #Startups #SouthernAfrica #Botswana #Entrepreneurship Techstars | Merce Anders Equity Group | Moagi Onkabetse | Bertha Caesar | Emilie Vallauri | Elham Noor | Shamail Malik | Emily Skinstad | Katie Smith | Nicolette Chinomona (MBA)