The Female Founders & Funders Program III 2026 is an entrepreneurship support initiative designed to empower women building innovative startups in Lagos, Nigeria. The program provides mentorship, investor readiness training, and valuable networking opportunities to help female entrepreneurs scale their businesses and access funding.
Supported by ecosystem partners such as Lagos Innovates and AfriGloCal VC, the initiative focuses on strengthening the role of women in Africa’s growing technology and startup ecosystem.
Through expert mentorship, industry connections, and investor engagement, the program aims to help ambitious female founders turn bold ideas into scalable businesses.
About the Female Founders & Funders Program
The Female Founders & Funders Program is designed to bridge the gap between female entrepreneurs and access to capital. Many women-led startups face challenges when seeking funding, mentorship, and exposure to investors.
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This program addresses those challenges by offering a structured environment where participants can refine their business models, improve their pitch strategies, and connect directly with venture capitalists and angel investors.
The initiative also aims to develop future female investors, helping create a more inclusive investment ecosystem across Africa.
Programme Architecture: How Founders Are Supported
Participants in the Female Founders & Funders Program III will receive comprehensive support across several areas that are critical to startup growth.
Expert Mentorship
Each selected founder will receive weekly one-on-one mentorship sessions with experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry experts. These mentors provide practical guidance on business strategy, product development, market expansion, and leadership.
The mentorship component helps founders identify opportunities for growth while addressing challenges that startups often face in their early stages.
Investor Readiness Training
Another key focus of the program is preparing startups to attract investment. Founders receive support in refining their:
- Pitch decks
- Financial models
- Business strategies
- Investor communication skills
This preparation helps entrepreneurs build confidence when presenting their startups to potential investors.
Access to Powerful Networks
Participants also gain access to a curated network of:
- Venture capital firms
- Angel investors
- Corporate partners
- Startup ecosystem leaders
These connections can open doors to partnerships, collaborations, and funding opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to access.
Impact of Previous Editions
The Female Founders & Funders initiative has already delivered meaningful results across its earlier cohorts.
Key achievements include:
- 33+ female founders supported across the first two editions
- 24+ aspiring female investors trained through hands-on learning experiences
- Over ₦9 million in prizes awarded to outstanding founders
- 30+ industry mentors engaged to guide participants
These results highlight the program’s commitment to empowering women and strengthening the African startup ecosystem.
Key Dates for the 2026 Programme
Entrepreneurs interested in joining the program should take note of the following timeline:
- March 8, 2026 – Applications Open
- April 4, 2026 – Application Deadline
- April 15, 2026 – Cohort Announcement
- April 2026 – Programme Begins (6 Weeks Duration)
- June 2026 – Investor Showcase Event
Participants will complete an intensive six-week training and mentorship program before presenting their startups to investors.
Who Should Apply?
The Female Founders & Funders Program III is designed specifically for female entrepreneurs building innovative startups in Lagos State.
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- The startup must be founded or co-founded by a woman
- The business should already have a working product or a minimum viable product (MVP)
- The startup must address a clear market problem
- The business should operate or plan to operate in Lagos State
The program is ideal for founders who are ready to scale their startups and attract investment.
Focus Sectors
The program supports startups working across a range of technology and innovation sectors, including:
- FinTech – Financial technology and digital payment solutions
- HealthTech – Technology-driven healthcare innovations
- EdTech – Digital education platforms and learning tools
- AgriTech – Agricultural technology and food innovation
- AI and Machine Learning – Artificial intelligence-based solutions
- Climate Tech – Sustainability and environmental innovation
These sectors represent some of the fastest-growing areas in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Investor Showcase
One of the highlights of the program is the Investor Showcase, where selected founders present their startups to a curated audience of investors and industry leaders.
During this event, participants will pitch their businesses to:
- Venture capital firms
- Angel investors
- Corporate innovation leaders
- Key ecosystem stakeholders
The showcase also includes structured feedback sessions that help founders refine their strategies and build momentum toward future funding opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must confirm the following conditions before applying:
- They must be residents of Lagos State, and their startup must be based in Lagos.
- They must possess a Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) Tax ID.
- They must have a Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) ID.
Applicants should have documentation ready to verify these requirements during the application process.
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Why This Programme Matters
Women entrepreneurs play an increasingly important role in Africa’s innovation economy, yet they often face limited access to funding and mentorship opportunities.
The Female Founders & Funders Program III 2026 aims to change that by providing a supportive environment where women can develop their ideas, strengthen their businesses, and connect with investors.
By helping female founders grow successful startups, the program contributes to economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation across Africa.
For ambitious women building the next generation of startups in Lagos, this initiative offers a powerful opportunity to accelerate growth and unlock new investment possibilities.
For more information, visit the Female Founders & Funders Program III.
