Baobab Network co founder and chief executive officer Toby Hanington is renowned across Africa’s tech ecosystem as a super connector who bridges founders, global investors and corporate partners. Today he announces that applications are open for Baobab’s Q4 accelerator while renewing the firm’s bold pledge to invest in 1000 African startups within the next decade. Each venture selected receives the first USD 100 000 equity cheque, providing real capital before the twelve week sprint begins.
From New Venture Africa to Baobab Network
The story started in Nairobi under the name New Venture Africa. A strategic rebrand to Baobab Network signalled much larger ambitions and introduced a data driven operating system for venture support. Since then the firm has
- Funded 65 startups across 16 countries
- Helped 50 portfolio companies secure follow on rounds from 79 different investors
- Catalysed more than USD 60 million in additional capital
- Recorded 4 exits while writing off only 7 ventures in six years
What the Q4 cohort receives
- Capital that counts. A USD 100 000 seed investment lands as the startup’s first institutional cheque, extending runway and signalling credibility to the market
- Growth infrastructure. Founders onboard to Baobab OS, a proprietary analytics suite for acquisition, engagement and retention complete with cohort analysis and campaign automation
- Hands on mentorship. Weekly sessions with product strategists, growth marketers and fundraising coaches keep teams accountable and focused on unit economics
- Warm investor pipeline. Baobab curates introductions to global seed and Series A funds culminating in a high visibility demo showcase
- Community for life. Graduates join OPUS, Baobab’s alumni network that fosters partnerships, cross border expansion and future rounds
- Post programme support. Continued check ins, hiring assistance and access to Baobab’s follow on vehicles or limited partner network
Why this accelerator matters right now
- Early stage capital crunch. Venture funding into Africa slowed sharply last year. A guaranteed six figure first cheque restores confidence and buys precious runway when dollars are scarce
- Execution over exposition. Baobab’s weekly metric reviews force founders to refine pricing, customer acquisition cost and retention instead of chasing vanity downloads. This discipline appeals to downstream investors
- Continental reach with local nuance. With investments in sixteen markets, Baobab has hard won insight into diverse regulatory and cultural landscapes that founders can tap from day one
- Compounding network effects. OPUS links every cohort, creating a growing pool of talent, advisors and corporate partners that multiplies the value of each new member
- Proven outcomes. Sixty five funded companies have already raised sixty million dollars in follow on capital and generated more than twelve hundred jobs, clear evidence the model works
Who should apply
- Startups with a live product and early traction
- Teams solving continent wide challenges in fintech, B2B commerce, supply chain visibility, digital identity or climate tech
- Founders ready to iterate quickly, defend their metrics weekly and adopt a disciplined operating system
Applications are open now at thebaobabnetwork.com and close in late September. Short listed companies will complete diligence in October and the cohort will kick off in early November.
Key takeaway
Baobab Network pairs immediate capital with relentless operational discipline. Under Toby Hanington’s leadership the accelerator has proved that its model can scale. The Q4 programme is another stride toward an ambitious milestone, propelling 1000 investor ready African startups and helping reshape the continent’s innovation narrative.
