Cut-off Cycles for Cohort 1: Ignite
We review applications in waves. Apply before a cut-off date to be considered for that cycle.
CUT-OFF CYCLE 1
JANUARY 15, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 2
FEBRUARY 28, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 3
APRIL 15, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 4
MAY 30, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 5
JULY 15, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 1
JANUARY 15, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 2
FEBRUARY 28, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 3
APRIL 15, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 4
MAY 30, 2026
CUT-OFF CYCLE 5
JULY 15, 2026
We evaluate ideas and founders separately.
Why?
Why?
Some great founders don't yet have the right idea
Some great ideas just need the right person to lead them
You can apply with your own idea, or join us to lead one of ours
WE'RE LOOKING FOR IDEAS THAT ARE
Tech-oriented and preferably AI-enabled
Strong problem-validation or early market traction
Aligned with potential corporate partner needs
Able to reach MVP stage within 2–3 months
WE WORK WITH EXCEPTIONAL INDIVIDUALS WE CALL
FOUNDERS-IN-RESIDENCE
FOUNDERS-IN-RESIDENCE
Strong leadership potential and team ability
Fully committed during the studio phase
Comfortable with ambiguity, iteration, and rapid execution
Product-first, customer-obsessed mindset
YOU DON'T NEED TO BE TECHNICAL,
YOU NEED TO BE OBSESSED WITH
SOLVING REAL PROBLEMS
YOU NEED TO BE OBSESSED WITH
SOLVING REAL PROBLEMS
What You Get as a Founder-in-Residence
CORPORATE PARTNER ACCESS
TECH & PRODUCT TEAM
EARLY CAPITAL & ADVISORS
MARKET TESTING OPPORTUNITIES
AFRICAN STARTUP CONFERENCE
COMPANY SETUP & LEGAL
WHEN WE SPIN OUT YOUR STARTUP AT THE PRE-SEED STAGE
YOU AS AN FIR
55–60%*
equity
Subject to reverse vesting
IDEA CRAFTERS
35–40%
Fully vested
OPTIONAL ESOP
5–10%
Reserved for early hires
* These percentages represent a typical structure. Final equity allocation may be adjusted depending on the origin of the idea (FIR-idea (founder-in-residence) vs. studio-originated) and the studio's proportional level of work/involvement during validation and build stages.
VESTING TERMS FOR FIRS
6-month cliff (Demo Day)
Monthly vesting thereafter
Full acceleration after 24 months or at Seed round
IP is assigned at Pre-Seed incorporation