Cascador launches 2026 ScaleUp programme to empower 12 early-stage startups with up to $5m

Cascador, an Africa-focused growth accelerator, has opened applications for its 2026 ScaleUp Program. The initiative targets growth-stage founders across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa who are ready to scale their businesses and raise significant capital.

Twelve founders will be selected for the 12-week program, which runs from August to November 2026. Each participant receives personalized individual support from investors, African and international experts, and strategic partners.

Beyond the mentorship, selected founders become eligible to apply for between $2 million and $5 million annually in debt or equity capital through the Cascador Catalytic Fund, a funding vehicle launched in May 2025 in partnership with Sterling Bank.

The program also covers travel, lodging, meals for in-person sessions, and provides a $5,000 personal development stipend per founder. It also includes a Live Pitch Day where standout founders can win up to $50,000 in prizes.

Read also: From founder to fixer: How Amanda Etuk of Cascador is rethinking startup growth

Since 2019, Cascador has supported 70 ventures that have collectively raised $125 million in capital. In 2025 alone, its alumni created over 67,000 jobs and served more than 1.7 million customers across the continent. Notable alumni include Babatunde Akin-Moses of Sycamore, Ayoola Dominic of Koolboks, and Andrew Airelobhegbe of Lenco.

“Entrepreneurs are the engines of change,” said Trish Thomas, CEO of Cascador. “This program is designed to empower impactful ventures on the cusp of scale for social good.”

Oluwaseyi Adefemi, co-founder and chief executive of Drive45 Mobility, who received N2 billion in funding in 2025 and won the Cascador Exemplary Award in 2024, credited the program with sharpening his decision-making.

“My forward-thinking approach is now ten steps ahead,” he said. “The program challenged me to think bigger, refine my vision, and build systems that allow my business to grow sustainably.”

Who qualifies and how to apply for the Cascador programme

The program is for business founders or co-founders who meet the following requirements:

• The business has been operating for at least 2 years.
• The business generates at least $70,000 in annual revenue or ₦100 million (naira).
• The business is based in Nigeria or another Sub-Saharan African country.

Applications are open now and close on June 15 at 5 p.m. WAT. The process works in two stages. Founders start with a preliminary application that takes roughly 15 minutes to complete. Those who qualify move to a full application, which requires financial documents and is due by June 29.

Finalists will be interviewed in July, and the selected cohort will be notified by August 1.

Applying early has added benefits; top applicants get advance notice of their status, extra time to complete the full application, and an exclusive invitation to attend Pitch Day on June 3.

For founders who want to learn more before applying, Cascador is hosting open house events in Abuja on April 29 and in Lagos on May 5. Both sessions will include programme information, Q&A with alumni, and networking.

The 2026 programme runs from August 17 to November 6, combining remote prep sessions, an in-person kick-off in Lagos, weekly virtual education, site visits, and a final in-person intensive with Pitch Day. Applications are available at cascador.com.

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