At a Glance

Program Name: Startup Worldcup – Nigeria Challenge (part of 2026 RegTechAfrica Conference & Expo).

Funding Type: Competitive investment opportunity via a global startup pitch competition.

Funding Amount: Up to 1,000,000 USD equity investment for the overall global winner (Pegasus Tech Ventures).

Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (Top 10 announced April 15, 2026; Challenge Finale on May 20, 2026).

Program Focus: Early-stage and growth tech startups pitching for global exposure and investment.

Location: Conference in Abuja (State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa).

About the Program

The Startup Worldcup Nigeria Challenge is a regional leg of the global Startup World Cup, designed to connect local founders to international investors and markets.

More than 70 regional finals feed into semi finals and a Grand Finale in San Francisco, where one startup secures the 1,000,000 USD investment prize.

In Nigeria, 10 pre selected startups pitch live in Lagos to a jury of investors and serial entrepreneurs, with the winner advancing to the global stages.

Program Benefits

Funding & Investment Path: Compete for a route to a 1,000,000 USD investment at the world finals.

Exposure: Pitch in front of top VCs and investors at the world finals in Silicon Valley.

Networking: Connect with investors in 1 on 1 meetings and benefit from their experience, with potential for further investment and partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

Early stage or growth tech startups (Nigeria or Africa-based) aiming for scale and global reach.

Teams willing and able to pitch live in Lagos and, if they win, travel to San Francisco for later stages.

Application Timeline

Applications Close: March 31, 2026.

Top 10 Announcement: April 15, 2026.

Challenge Finale (Abuja conference): May 20, 2026; Nigeria regional event: May 23–24, 2026 in Lagos.

Apply Here

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