A new initiative aimed at strengthening Kenya’s early-stage investment ecosystem has been launched through a partnership between the UK–Kenya Tech Hub, Viktoria Ventures, Anza Village, and POV. Startup 360 Connect (#S360Connect) is designed to link startups with trained angel investors, provide structured learning, and create pathways for cross-border investment opportunities. The program aligns with the UK–Kenya Strategic Partnership in Science, Technology, and Innovation, which seeks to support high-growth startups and attract sustainable investment.
From Awareness to Action
At the heart of Startup 360 Connect is the Angel Leads Program, delivered by Viktoria Ventures, which equips individual and group investors with practical skills in angel investing and startup syndication. Kenya has long been recognized as one of Africa’s most active startup hubs, but early-stage funding remains concentrated among a small group of investors. Ecosystem leaders note that while investor education has advanced, the critical need now is translating awareness into coordinated and meaningful capital deployment.
Stephen Gugu, CEO of Viktoria Ventures, highlighted the program’s purpose, stating, “We have spent years building the foundations of angel investing in Africa. This program represents the next phase, moving from awareness into action, building confident investors, strong syndicates, and real capital deployment that founders can rely on.” Participants will undergo structured training, participate in live deal evaluations, and commit USD 1,000 each into a collective startup investment at the program’s conclusion.
Three-Pillar Approach to Ecosystem Development
Startup 360 Connect is built on three pillars addressing critical stages of the startup and investment journey. Viktoria Ventures leads Angel Investor Training & Capital Activation, giving investors hands-on experience in deal evaluation, syndicate management, and collaborative capital deployment. Anza Village runs the second pillar, Startup School Kenya, preparing founders with skills in business models, governance, and investor engagement, with graduates moving directly into the Angel Leads Program. The third pillar, Market and VC Linkages, is delivered by POV’s GrowthPath, offering startups and investors insights and networks for UK market entry and cross-border growth.
Program Participation and Outcomes
The Angel Leads Program will run from February to June 2026 and targets individual and aspiring angel investors, members of investment groups and chamas, professionals formalizing startup investing, and impact-driven investors. Over six months, participants will receive structured training, live masterclasses, mentorship opportunities, and direct experience in syndicated investment. Each investor contributes USD 1,000 to a collective deal, providing real capital deployment into selected high-potential startups chosen by syndicate members.
Organizers emphasize that Startup 360 Connect aims to democratize access to angel investing, reduce individual risk through syndication, and increase the volume and quality of early-stage investments entering the Kenyan market. The initiative also strengthens ties between the Kenyan and UK innovation ecosystems, positioning Kenya as a key player within global startup networks. Billy Msagha of the UK–Kenya Tech Hub noted that the program reflects a deliberate effort to build sustainable local investment capacity while bridging cross-border opportunities.
Startup 360 Connect represents a significant step toward professionalizing angel investing in Kenya and expanding the country’s early-stage funding ecosystem. By combining investor training, founder readiness, and market linkages, the program seeks to create a connected and resilient pipeline from startup ideation to capital deployment. With applications closing on 30 January 2026, the initiative is poised to shape the next generation of Kenyan angel investors and strengthen the nation’s position within global innovation corridors.