Following the successful integration of 49 Kenyan startups into its portfolio, develoPPP Ventures is proud to announce the opening of Cohort 11. Innovative early-stage startups in Kenya are invited to apply for EUR 100K in non-dilutive funding to scale their impact-driven business models.
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, develoPPP Ventures provides critical matching-funds to startups that have already achieved proof of concept. To date, the program has committed over €10 Million to the Kenyan ecosystem, supporting pioneers across essential sectors including Agriculture, Health, Fintech, and Clean Energy. The programme is implemented in Kenya with support from VC4A and InVhestia Ventures.
Scaling innovation through strategic support
Cohort 11 seeks to identify the next generation of Kenyan success stories, entrepreneurs who are not only profit-oriented but also dedicated to improving living conditions and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a statement made by Julia Stausberg-Umuerri Head of develoPPP Ventures at DEG Impulse, she shares that “with Cohort 11, we are reinforcing our commitment to the Kenyan innovation landscape by providing the specific type of capital founders need to bridge the missing middle. Beyond the 100,000 euro matching fund, our focus remains on providing technical assistance and creating a platform where entrepreneurs can thrive sustainably”.
From the Kenyan portfolio, Eric Onchonga, Co-founder and MD of Irri-Hub shared this “The develoPPP Ventures program has been a key catalyst in our growth journey. Through the program, we’ve successfully refined our business model, brought on board qualified personnel, and expanded into new markets through strategic partnerships. The technical assistance provided also enabled us to enhance our technology, which in turn helped us secure additional funding from new investors. It’s truly been a game changer for our business.”
Core Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the EUR 100K non-dilutive funding opportunity, applicants must:
- Be privately owned and profit-oriented.
- Be registered in Kenya (or plan to register prior to investment).
- Demonstrate Proof of Concept with initial revenues generated.
- Provide at least one annual financial statement.
- Secure matching funds from other sources (e.g., VCs, Angel Investors) of the same amount of EUR 100K (This amount must be raised in order for develoPPP Ventures to match it).
- Have high growth potential and a path to break-even within three years.
How to Apply
The application window for Cohort 11 is open from May 15 to June 30, 2026. Interested startups are encouraged to visit the application portal on VC4A to review the full criteria and submit their application.
Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/developpp-kenya-news
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