Building the Next Great Startup from the South East
Apply to the SEVCP Pitch Competition for funding, mentorship, and ecosystem support.
The SEVCP Pitch Competition is the flagship initiative of the South East Venture Capital Program and the primary pipeline for identifying startups for the South East Venture Capital Fund (SEVCF). The competition identifies high-potential startups from across the South East and connects them with capital, mentorship, and structured ecosystem support designed to help them scale.
Competition Details
Startups applying to the SEVCP Pitch Competition will select one of two tracks, depending on their stage of development. Each track is designed to support founders at different points in their journey.
1
Accelerator Track
Designed for startups with a live product and measurable early traction that are ready to scale.
Typical characteristics include:
- A live product already in the market
- Clear evidence of customer validation and early traction, such as paying customers, recurring usage, signed pilots, or revenue growth
- Typically 12–24 months of operating history, or equivalent evidence of sustained execution
- A strong founding team with relevant domain and execution experience
- An operational base and active market presence in South East Nigeria
Startups selected for this track participate in a 6-month accelerator program focused on scaling operations, strengthening governance, and preparing for venture investment.
2
Incubation Track
Designed for earlier-stage startups still validating their product, customer segment, and business model.
Typical characteristics include:
- A working prototype or validated MVP
- Early evidence of market interest, such as user testing, pilots, waitlists, partnerships, or early customer adoption
- A committed founding team able to participate fully in the program
- Up to 12 months of operational activity, or earlier-stage evidence of consistent venture development
- An operational base and active market presence in South East Nigeria
Startups selected for this track participate in a 6-month incubation program focused on product development, customer discovery, and business model validation.
What Winners Receive
A total of 30 startups will be selected as winners of the competition across two tracks.
1
Accelerator Track
20 startups will be selected for the Accelerator Track. Winners receive
- $20,000 in equity investment, disbursed in milestone-based tranches
- Participation in an accelerator program focused on scaling and investor readiness
- Mentorship and expert guidance from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts
- Investor exposure through interactions with venture capital firms and angel investors
- Ecosystem access, including connections to regional innovation hubs, partners, and future funding opportunities
2
Incubation Track
10 startups will be selected for the Incubation Track. Winners receive:
- $5,000 in equity investment, disbursed in milestone-based tranches
- Participation in an incubation program focused on product development and business validation
- Mentorship and expert guidance from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts
- Investor exposure and preparation for future venture funding
- Ecosystem access through connections to innovation hubs, industry partners, and startup networks within the SEVCP ecosystem
1
Accelerator Track
20 startups will be selected for the Accelerator Track. Winners receive
- $20,000 in equity investment, disbursed in milestone-based tranches
- Participation in an accelerator program focused on scaling and investor readiness
- Mentorship and expert guidance from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts
- Investor exposure through interactions with venture capital firms and angel investors
- Ecosystem access, including connections to regional innovation hubs, partners, and future funding opportunities
2
Incubation Track
10 startups will be selected for the Incubation Track. Winners receive:
- $5,000 in equity investment, disbursed in milestone-based tranches
- Participation in an incubation program focused on product development and business validation
- Mentorship and expert guidance from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts
- Investor exposure and preparation for future venture funding
- Ecosystem access through connections to innovation hubs, industry partners, and startup networks within the SEVCP ecosystem
Competition Timeline
The SEVCP Pitch Competition follows a four-phase selection process designed to identify the most promising startups.
Phase 1 — Applications
Startups submit an online application including their pitch deck, founder information, product description, traction or MVP evidence, and funding request.
Applications Close
Phase 2 — Screening and Scoring
Applications are evaluated using a structured scoring system.
Phase 3 — Video Pitch
Shortlisted startups submit a 3-minute video pitch explaining their solution, traction or MVP validation, founding team, and funding request.
Phase 4 — Virtual Pitch
Selected startups deliver a 7-minute pitch to a judging panel that includes venture investors, industry experts, and ecosystem leaders.
1 Week Bootcamp
50 finalists participate in a 1-week intensive bootcamp in Enugu designed to prepare founders for the final pitch event. Finalists then pitch their companies during Finals Day on April 8, 2026, where the judging panel selects the 30 competition winners.
Finals Day
Investment Ceremony & Awards
Who Should Apply
The SEVCP Pitch Competition is open to technology-enabled startups operating in or serving the South East region. Eligible sectors include:
Frequently Asked Questions
View AllWho can apply?
Startups operating in or connected to the South East with a technology-enabled business model.
Do startups need revenue to apply?
No. Early-stage startups with a validated MVP can apply through the incubation track.
How many startups will win the competition?
A total of 30 startups will be selected, with 20 in the Accelerator Track and 10 in the Incubation Track.
Will startups receive funding?
Yes. Winners receive equity investment and participate in structured startup programs.
Where will the finals take place?
Finals and the Investment Ceremony will take place in Enugu, Nigeria.