South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP)
Invest in the South East's Future: Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship in South East Nigeria
The South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP) is an initiative of the South East Development Commission designed to unlock Venture Capital, support high-potential founders, and catalyse long-term economic growth across South East Nigeria. Through the creation of a $50 million blended finance Venture Capital Fund, the program addresses the capital and ecosystem gaps facing startups in the region while strengthening the broader digital, innovation, and technology ecosystem.
Core Objectives
The South East Venture Capital Program focuses on four strategic priorities designed to accelerate the growth of the regional digital, innovation, and technology economy.
Close Early-Stage Funding Gaps
Provide capital for promising startups that struggle to access institutional investment at the earliest stages.
De-Risk Capital for Private Investors
Use blended finance structures that encourage venture funds, angel investors, and institutions to invest in startups addressing developmental challenges.
Strengthen the Regional Startup Ecosystem
Support founders, accelerators, innovation hubs, and ecosystem partners building the infrastructure for entrepreneurship.
Promote Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Expand access to opportunity for founders across sectors, industries, and communities throughout the South East.
Program Updates
Here, you get the latest information about all our initiatives.
SEVCP Pitch Competition Announced
As part of the rollout of the South East Venture Capital Program, the SEVCP Pitch Competition will identify some of the region’s most promising startups and deploy seed capital as equity investments. This competition will also serve as the primary pipeline for the Venture Fund.
Through a multi-phase selection process, founders will pitch to investors and ecosystem leaders for visibility and potential investment of up to $2 million (tranched), with Finals Day on April 8, 2026 and the Investment Ceremony on April 9, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
View AllWhat is the South East Venture Capital Program?
The South East Venture Capital Program (SEVC Program) is a flagship initiative of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to catalyse entrepreneurship, drive innovation, and unlock sustained economic transformation across South East Nigeria. The Program operates through five integrated workstreams: the Venture Capital Fund, the Pitch Competition, Incubation and Acceleration, Financing Partnerships, and Implementing Partnerships.
How large is the Venture Fund?
The South East Venture Capital Fund (SEVCF) is proposed as a $50 million blended finance vehicle combining public, DFI, institutional, private, and diaspora capital. It targets a 10-year lifecycle; a 5-year investment period followed by a 5-year exit and harvest period, with individual ticket sizes ranging from $50,000 to $2 million per portfolio company.
What types of startups does the program invest in?
The Fund invests in technology-enabled ventures at the pre-seed, seed, and early growth stages (up to Series A) that originate from or primarily impact South East Nigeria. Priority sectors include Manufacturing and Industrial Tech, Agri-Tech and Food Systems, FinTech and Digital Financial Services, HealthTech, and the Creative and Digital Economy, among others.
How will startups be selected for investment?
Startups are primarily identified through the SEVC Pitch Competition, a rigorous four-phase national competition culminating in Finals Day on April 8, 2026. Applications are expected across two tracks: the Accelerator Track for growth-stage ventures and the Incubation Track for earlier-stage founders. Winners will receive equity investment and structured post-award support through the Incubation and Acceleration Program.
Who can participate as a partner or investor?
The Program welcomes public institutions, development finance institutions, institutional investors, private capital, diaspora investors and individuals interested in investing in South East Nigeria’s digital, innovation and technology ecosystem. Corporate partners, ecosystem organisations, universities, and industry associations can also partner with the Program as Delivery, Resource, or Network Partners.
Where can I follow program developments?
Program announcements, partnership opportunities, and application windows will be published in the Program Updates section of this page. Follow SEDC's official channels to stay informed.