For many women building startups, the biggest challenge is not the idea – it is access to mentorship, networks, and investors. The Female Founders & Funders Program 2026 is designed to bridge that gap by supporting women-led startups in Lagos with expert guidance, investment readiness training, and direct connections to funding opportunities.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Programme Location: Lagos
- Programme Type: Startup Accelerator / Entrepreneurship Programme
- Funding Type: Mentorship, investor access, and startup support
- Eligible Countries: Nigeria (founders operating in Lagos)
- Application Deadline: 4 April 2026
About the Opportunity
The Female Founders & Funders Program 2026 is a six-week entrepreneurship programme designed to support women entrepreneurs building innovative startups in Lagos. The initiative focuses on helping female founders strengthen their businesses, prepare for investment opportunities, and connect with key players in Africa’s startup ecosystem.
Participants will receive hands-on mentorship, practical training on investor readiness, and curated access to venture capital firms, angel investors, and corporate innovation leaders. The programme culminates in an Investor Showcase, where selected founders present their startups to potential investors.
The initiative is led by Lagos Innovates in partnership with AfriGloCal VC, both of which play active roles in supporting entrepreneurship and innovation within the Lagos technology ecosystem.
Since its launch, the programme has supported more than 33 female founders, trained 24 aspiring female investors, engaged 30+ mentors, and awarded over ₦9 million in prizes to outstanding startups.
This opportunity is officially offered by Lagos Innovates, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Female Founders & Funders Program 2026, applicants should meet the following requirements:
- The startup must be founded or co-founded by a woman
- The business should have a working product or minimum viable product (MVP)
- The startup must be solving a clear market problem
- Applicants should operate or plan to operate in Lagos
- Founders must be able to participate in the six-week hybrid programme
Focus Sectors
Startups operating in the following sectors are encouraged to apply:
- FinTech
- HealthTech
- EdTech
- AgriTech
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
- Climate Technology
Benefits
Selected founders in the Female Founders & Funders Program 2026 will gain access to several valuable opportunities designed to accelerate startup growth.
Expert Mentorship
Participants receive weekly one-on-one mentorship from experienced founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders who provide strategic guidance and business insights.
Investor Readiness Training
The programme helps founders refine key elements required to attract funding, including:
- Pitch deck development
- Financial modeling
- Investor engagement strategies
Network Access
Participants will gain curated connections to:
- Venture capital firms
- Angel investors
- Corporate partners
- Innovation ecosystem stakeholders
Investor Showcase
At the end of the programme, founders present their startups during an Investor Showcase, providing an opportunity to attract funding and build long-term partnerships.
Potential Prize Funding
Top-performing startups may receive financial prizes, continuing the programme’s track record of awarding more than ₦9 million across previous cohorts.
Check this out: Youth Empowerment Fund 2026 – Get €500 to €5,000 for Your Project
Who Should Apply
The Female Founders & Funders Program 2026 is ideal for:
- Women entrepreneurs building technology-driven startups
- Early-stage founders looking to prepare their startups for investment
- Startup teams seeking mentorship from experienced ecosystem leaders
- Female founders aiming to expand their network within the Lagos tech ecosystem
Women leading innovative startups with strong growth potential will benefit the most from the programme’s mentorship and investor access.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare details about your startup, product, and team.
- Complete the online application form with your business information.
- Submit your application before the 4 April 2026 deadline.
- Applications will be reviewed by the programme team.
- Selected founders will be announced on 15 April 2026.
The six-week programme will begin in April 2026 and conclude with an Investor Showcase in June 2026.
How to Apply for Female Founders & Funders Program 2026
If you are building a startup and looking for the right support to scale, the Female Founders & Funders Program 2026 could be the opportunity that moves your business forward.
Take advantage of mentorship, investor connections, and ecosystem support designed specifically for women entrepreneurs in Lagos.
For more details, visit Lagos Innovates.
