The SEVCP Pitch Competition, the flagship initiative of the South East Venture Capital Program, serves as the primary pipeline for identifying startups for the South East Venture Capital Fund (SEVCF). The competition is designed to identify high-potential startups from across the South East, connecting them with capital, mentorship, and structured ecosystem support to facilitate their growth and scaling.
Competition Tracks
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.
Accelerator Track
This track is designed for startups with a live product and measurable early traction that are ready to scale. A total of 20 startups will be selected for this track. 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.
• An operating history of 12–24 months, 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.
Winners participate in a 6-month accelerator program focused on scaling operations, strengthening governance, and preparing for venture investment. Benefits include:
• $20,000 in equity investment, disbursed in milestone-based tranches.
• 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.
Incubation Track
This track is designed for earlier-stage startups still validating their product, customer segment, and business model. A total of 10 startups will be selected for this track. 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.
Winners participate in a 6-month incubation program focused on product development, customer discovery, and business model validation. Benefits include:
• $5,000 in equity investment, disbursed in milestone-based tranches.
• 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 competition follows a four-phase selection process designed to identify the most promising startups:
• March 16, 2026: Phase 1 — Applications open. Startups submit an online application with their pitch deck, founder information, product description, traction or MVP evidence, and funding request.
• March 27, 2026: Applications Close.
• March 28 – April 5, 2026: Phase 2 — Screening and Scoring. Applications are evaluated using a structured scoring system.
• April 6–17, 2026: Phase 3 — Video Pitch. Shortlisted startups submit a 3-minute video pitch.
• April 18–25, 2026: Phase 4 — Virtual Pitch. Selected startups deliver a 7-minute pitch to a judging panel.
• May 3–8, 2026: 1-Week Bootcamp. Fifty finalists participate in an intensive bootcamp in Enugu.
• May 13, 2026: Finals Day. Finalists pitch to the judging panel, which selects the 30 competition winners.
• May 14, 2026: Investment Ceremony & Awards.
Eligibility and Sectors
The SEVCP Pitch Competition is open to technology-enabled startups operating in or serving the South East region. Eligible sectors include:
• Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
• AgriTech and Food Systems
• FinTech and Financial Inclusion
• Commerce and Logistics
• HealthTech
• Clean Energy
• EdTech and Skills Development
• Creative Economy
• SaaS and Digital Platforms
Frequently Asked Questions
• Who 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? The finals and the Investment Ceremony will take place in Enugu, Nigeria.
This competition represents a significant opportunity for technology-enabled startups in the South East to secure funding, gain invaluable mentorship, and access a robust support ecosystem. Interested founders are encouraged to review the track requirements and timeline to prepare their applications for this transformative program.