develoPPP Ventures Cohort 10 is officially open for applications in Kenya, offering an opportunity for post-revenue startups to secure 100,000 euros in catalytic funding and technical support to scale. The program, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by DEG Impulse, a subsidiary of the German development finance institution DEG is specifically seeking ventures that have successfully achieved proof of concept and are poised for high-impact growth.
The application window is open from November 15 to December 31, 2025.
develoPPP Ventures is designed to inject capital into companies that are beyond the early ideation stage. The equity-free grant of 100,000 euros is provided as non-dilutive capital via a matching-funds model, meaning it requires the startup to secure equivalent external investment, effectively doubling the capital injection thereby ensuring that founders do not give up more equity. The focus is exclusively on scaling business models that drive a measurable sustainable economic, ecological, or social impact in the market.
Since 2019, develoPPP Ventures has supported about 100 companies in East Africa, with 59 companies still in the active portfolio of the program and 4x investment raised by the companies since joining develoPPP Ventures.
“This investment is validation for East Africa’s most promising founders,” says Thomas van Halen, Programs Director at VC4A. “Through develoPPP Ventures, we are backing companies that have proven their model and are ready to create massive economic, social, and ecological change in their communities.”
Sven Witthoeft, Senior Manager at DEG Impulse, added, “The €100,000 in catalytic funding is designed to be a decisive push to ensure founders can accelerate growth and attract substantial follow-on investment. It is a commitment to scaling sustainable business models in the region.”
Eric Onchonga, Co-founder of Irri-Hub, a 2024 beneficiary adds “The develoPPP Ventures program has been a key catalyst in our growth journey. Through the program, we refined our business model, expanded into new markets, and enhanced our technology, which helped us secure additional funding from new investors. The program has truly been a game changer for us!”.
Eligibility Criteria
develoPPP Ventures requires a clear focus on viability and readiness. Startups must be privately owned, profit-oriented, and demonstrate a viable business and financial plan.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Must have achieved proof of concept and provide at least one annual financial statement.
- Must not have acquired more than €2 million in funding to date.
- Must have high growth potential and be able to reach break-even within a maximum of three years.
- Must be registered in the target country Kenya or plan to be, prior to the investment.
Women-led startups and those promoting gender equality are strongly encouraged to apply. Founders are urged to submit their applications well before the December 31, 2025, deadline via the official VC4A application platform: https://tinyurl.com/develoPPPVenturesKE
develoPPP Ventures is also open in Cote d’ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania. Visit the develoPPP Ventures website to find out more about applying from other focus countries. https://www.developpp.de/en,
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