Cascador Opens Applications for 2026 ScaleUp Program Targeting Africa’s High-Growth Founders

Ambitious African founders eyeing their next growth leap now have a fresh opportunity as Cascador officially opens applications for its 2026 ScaleUp Program; an elite accelerator built to help high-potential ventures unlock capital, sharpen strategy, and scale across markets.

Cascador is seeking 12 growth-stage founders to join a carefully curated cohort designed to accelerate expansion and improve access to funding. Applications close on June 15, with the program set to kick off on August 15.

The 12-week hybrid experience blends two weeks of in-person engagement – including an opening session and a live pitch day — with ten weeks of virtual learning tailored for founders and their leadership teams. Participants will benefit from one-on-one mentorship from investors, African and global experts, as well as strategic partners. The pitch day offers a competitive prize pool of $50,000.

Beyond the program, founders gain access to follow-on funding through the Cascador Catalytic Fund, which deploys between $2 million and $5 million annually via local currency debt, equity, guarantees, and collateral-backed investments in partnership with Sterling Bank.

Cascador supports both tech-enabled startups and real-economy businesses, focusing on ventures with proven traction ready to scale significantly. Since 2019, it has backed 70 companies that have collectively raised $125 million. In 2025 alone, alumni generated over 67,000 jobs and reached more than 1.7 million customers.

“Entrepreneurs are the engines of change,” said CEO Trish Thomas, emphasizing the program’s mission to drive scalable, socially impactful ventures.

The application process includes a quick preliminary form followed by a detailed submission for shortlisted candidates. Early applicants benefit from priority consideration and faster progression.

Open house events are scheduled for April 29 in Abuja and May 5 in Lagos, offering founders a chance to engage with alumni and learn more about the program.