Smart Fund.
Capital for Africa's
Boldest Ideas.

The SmartLab Smart Fund provides early-stage capital, investment facilitation, and grant navigation support to high-potential African startups.

APPLY FOR FUNDING

How we fund
great ideas.

Seed Grants

Non-dilutive grants for early-stage startups proving their concept and first customers.

Investment Facilitation

We connect investment-ready startups directly to our network of angel investors and VCs.

Grant Navigation

We help founders identify and apply for international development grants, matching the right opportunities to each venture.

Corporate Pilots

Revenue-generating pilot programmes funded by SmartLab's corporate partners — real money for real solutions.

DFI Partnerships

Connections to Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) providing structured debt and blended finance.

Prize Funding

Competitions and challenges with prize funding for startups tackling Africa's most pressing problems.

Who can apply?

We fund startups that are solving real problems in Africa with scalable, commercially-viable solutions.

  • Early-stage startups (pre-seed to Series A)
  • African-founded or Africa-focused ventures
  • Clear problem-solution fit with initial traction
  • Committed founding team of at least 2 people
  • Operating in or targeting East African markets

Application Process

1

Submit your application online

2

Initial screening (5–7 days)

3

Due diligence & panel review

4

Funding decision & term sheet

5

Onboarding & disbursement

Ready to fund your next stage of growth?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply today and take the first step.

APPLY NOW