The Startup 360 Connect Angel Leads Program is a strategic initiative designed to professionalize and activate angel investing within the Kenyan ecosystem. Supported by the UK–Kenya Tech Hub and delivered through a partnership between African Angel Academy, ViKtoria Ventures, and Anza Village, the program marks a transition from investor education to active capital deployment. It equips both individual and group investors with the technical knowledge and structural frameworks required to make informed, impactful early-stage investments.
Program Overview
The Startup 360 Connect initiative is built on a three-pillar approach to ecosystem development. The Angel Leads component focuses on investor training and capital activation, while the Founder Readiness pillar—delivered by Anza Village—prepares startups to be investment-ready. The third pillar provides exposure to international markets, specifically linking the Kenyan and UK innovation landscapes to foster cross-border growth and venture capital opportunities.
Core Training and Curriculum
- Structured Learning Path: A 6-week self-paced online training covering the end-to-end investment process, including sourcing, due diligence, and negotiation.
- Live Investor Deep Dives: Bi-weekly interactive sessions hosted every Thursday, 11:00–12:00 EAT, where participants engage with instructors and guest investors to discuss module-specific queries.
- Masterclasses: Specialized sessions on legal structuring, valuation, and exit strategies from an African perspective.
- Technical Support: Expert guidance on the legal and administrative requirements for executing startup investments.
Hands-on Syndicate Experience
- Capstone Project: Participants form angel syndicates, define investment mandates, and nominate startups for further engagement.
- Syndicate Mentorship: An 8-week journey providing technical assistance to newly formed groups to refine mandates and prepare for collaborative deal-making.
- Capital Activation: Participants commit a minimum of $1,000 to participate in real-world startup investments at the conclusion of the training.
Startup Engagement and Mentorship
- Angel Mentorship Coaching: A 6-week program where participants mentor high-potential startups nominated during the capstone phase.
- Startup Showcase: A culminating event where angel mentees present and evaluate startups, selecting ventures for potential post-program investment.
- Ecosystem Linkages: Access to a pool of investment-ready startups that have undergone founder-readiness training to ensure high-quality deal flow.
Eligibility and Target Audience
- Active and Aspiring Angels: Individuals looking to expand portfolios and build professional networks in early-stage investing.
- Investment Groups and Chamas: Existing groups or organizations supporting informal investment structures that want to formalize syndicate activities.
- Experienced Professionals: Impact-driven individuals with capital and time to contribute to the growth of local entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Key Program Timeline and Details
- Application Deadline: Friday, 30 January 2026, 11:59 PM (EAT).
- Program Duration: A 6-month journey running from January to June 2026.
- Official Start Date: 6 February 2026.
- Time Commitment: Approximately 2–3 hours per week for learning modules, mentorship sessions, and workshops.
- Community Access: Graduates join an alumni network of 800+ angel investors across 38+ African countries.
This program offers a unique opportunity for investors to move beyond theory and engage in the practical realities of early-stage finance. By combining rigorous training with syndicate formation and direct startup mentorship, the Startup 360 Connect Angel Leads Program provides a comprehensive framework for those looking to play a pivotal role in Africa’s venture capital landscape. Interested parties are encouraged to finalize applications before the deadline to secure a place in this hands-on investment cohort.