DEG Impulse, VC4A, and Impact Hub Kigali Launch 2nd develoPPP Ventures cohort in Rwanda

Kigali, Rwanda, 18th November, 2024 - DEG Impulse GmbH, is pleased to open the call for the 2nd cohort of the develoPPP Ventures programme in Rwanda. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the programme aims to empower young businesses with innovative models that create positive social or environmental impact in Rwanda and beyond. DEG Impulse is implementing the program in partnership with VC4A and Impact Hub Kigali. Following the first cohort, which saw four promising Rwandan companies selected and currently finalizing contract documentation, this new cohort aims to build on that momentum. Through develoPPP Ventures, young businesses can receive non-dilutive capital of up to EUR 100,000 in a matching-funds format to co-finance strategic investments that support the growth and scalability of impactful businesses. Eligible startups will also benefit from tailored technical assistance, designed to equip them with the resources and expertise necessary for sustainable expansion. Eligibility Requirements: Be privately owned and profit-oriented. Have a viable business and financial plan. Provide at least one annual financial statement. Secure match funding from other investors in the form of cash injections. Have not acquired more than EUR 2 million in funding to date Exhibit high growth potential with a capacity to achieve break-even within a maximum of three years The program especially welcomes applications from women-led startups and those dedicated to advancing gender equality. Eligible businesses must be registered in Rwanda or intend to complete registration before funding begins. We believe that Rwandan entrepreneurs have the power to build innovative solutions that address the nation's most pressing challenges. Our goal is to support these ventures on their entrepreneurial journey, helping them scale and attract private investors for a greater impact. - Julia Stausberg-Umuerri, Head of develoPPP Ventures, DEG Impulse Echoing this commitment, Alejandro Jiménez, Managing Director of Impact Hub Kigali, added, Through the develoPPP Ventures program, we equip Rwandan startups with essential tools for investment readiness, using a rigorous VC framework to meet investor-grade standards. This positions startups to unlock capital and drive scalable impact. For more information on eligibility, participation requirements, and assessment criteria, please visit this page. Applications for the develoPPP Ventures program in Rwanda are now open and can be submitted through the VC4A application platform, where Impact Hub Kigali and VC4A will provide support throughout the application process. The call for applications is also open to startups in Kenya and Tanzania for their respective cohorts. The deadline for submission is December 31, 2024. For inquiries, please contact: Impact Hub Kigali programs.kigali@impacthub.net End About DEG Impulse DEG Impulse is a 100 % non-profit subsidiary of DEG - Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH. DEG Impulse promotes the social and ecological transition of the private sector in developing and emerging-market countries and supports development policy goals as defined by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). About VC4A VC4A is an ecosystem builder that leverages its infrastructure, network, and expertise for the programs that contribute to the startup movement in emerging markets. Since 2007, the organization has designed, structured, and implemented successful entrepreneurship programs in emerging markets. VC4A runs an online platform featuring a database of startups in Africa and Latin America, connecting entrepreneurs to resources, networks, and funding. Visit our global website at https://VC4A.com or our LatAm website at https://latam.vc4a.com/ for more information.

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DEG Impulse, VC4A, and Impact Hub Kigali Launch 2nd develoPPP Ventures cohort in Rwanda