Cascador, an Africa-focused platform that unlocks the potential of the region’s most transformative entrepreneurs, has started accepting applications for its 2026 Cascador ScaleUp Program, for an elite class of ambitious founders poised to scale their companies.
Focused on both real economy and technology-enabled ventures, the program equips growth-stage entrepreneurs with the leadership skills, strategic clarity, and network to succeed, while also preparing founders to apply for $2–5 million annually in debt or equity capital through the Cascador Catalytic Fund.
Cascador will select 12 founders who are leading companies with proven traction for a hybrid experience that will include:
- Bespoke 1:1 support from investors, African and international experts, and strategic partners
- Eligibility for follow-on funding through Cascador’s Catalytic Fund, which deploys $2–5 million annually in growth capital through local currency debt, equity, guarantees, and collateral investments in partnership with Sterling Bank.
- 12-week program: 2 weeks in-person sessions – including the program kickoff and pitch week, packaged with 10 weeks of virtual sessions for founders and their leadership teams
- Live Pitch Day, for the chance to be awarded $50k USD in prizes
The application process is two-fold, with a preliminary application requiring 15 minutes to complete, followed by a full application for well-qualified founders. Early submission of the preliminary application is encouraged.
Benefits include: personal interviews, exclusive event participation, and early semi-finalist notification for top applicants.
Applications are open now and close on June 15, with the program commencing on August 15.
“Entrepreneurs are the engines of change. At Cascador, our goal is to help accelerate growth-stage founders who we consider great multipliers, building businesses that transform lives, communities, and markets. This Program is designed to empower impactful ventures on the cusp of scale for social good,” said Trish Thomas, CEO of Cascador.
Since 2019, Cascador has supported 70 ventures that have collectively raised $125 million in capital. In 2025 alone, Cascador’s alumni created over 67,000 job opportunities and delivered essential products and services to more than 1.7 million customers.
The 2026 program aims to multiply this impact by supporting a new generation of business leaders who are ambitious, adaptable, and capable of using both knowledge and capital to scale high-performing companies that deliver meaningful, lasting social and economic impact.
“The ScaleUp program is designed to back entrepreneurs who see possibilities where others see limits; they are the ones redefining Africa’s future. Even with great vision, committed teams, and market-fit products, there are a myriad of challenges to navigate as a business. Cascador provides the customized, structural support they need to overcome obstacles, scale with confidence, and create lasting impact across Africa,” commented David DeLucia, Co-Founder of Cascador
Cascador has developed a personalized approach to growth acceleration that engages the founder and their leadership team in targeted knowledge-sharing, high-value introductions, advisory support, and resource allocations that enable rapid scale.
“Cascador has given me the clarity to lead more effectively and strategically,” reflected Oluwaseyi Adefemi, Co-Founder and CEO of Drive45Mobility and recipient of N2bn in funding in 2025 and the Exemplary Cascador Award 2024. “My forward-thinking approach is now ten steps ahead, and I’m making decisions with greater discipline. The program challenged me to think bigger, refine my vision, and build systems that allow my business to grow sustainably. Today, I lead with greater purpose, and I’m better equipped to scale my impact,” he added.
Applications are open now and close on June 15, with the program commencing on August 15. An in-person Open House event will also be held on April 29 in Abuja and on May 5 in Lagos, providing applicants with additional information on the program, Q&A sessions with alumni and networking opportunities.
