Ethiopian Tech Startups: Secure $100K Pre-Seed Funding and Mentorship with Blaq Ventures

Are you an ambitious tech founder in Ethiopia looking to scale your startup? Blaq Ventures, in partnership with Afronex Tech Hub, invites visionary entrepreneurs to apply for a transformative new initiative designed to take early-stage tech ventures to the next level. Applications are now open and will be accepted until May 31, 2025, with a Q&A session for early applicants on May 8. 

The program seeks to nurture early-stage ventures by connecting them with experienced mentors, essential business resources, and funding opportunities-key pillars for startup growth in a rapidly evolving market. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Stage: Pre-seed startups
• Region: Based in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Industry: Tech-focused, industry-agnostic.
• Team: Strong, visionary founders with scalable business models.

Benefits 

• Pre-Seed Investment: Up to $100,000 as the first institutional investor.
• 9-Month Mentorship Program: Tailored guidance in market strategy, product development, and fundraising.
• Follow-On Funding: Access to investor networks for potential funding up to $500,000.

Blaq Ventures is a venture capital firm dedicated to accelerating the growth of top-tier African tech-based startups. They provide pre-seed funding, mentorship, and strategic connections to empower startups in underrepresented markets. In its 2025 round, the initiative aims to support up to 20 Ethiopian startups. Blaq Ventures makes a pre-seed investment of up to $100,000, typically becoming the first institutional investor in the startup.