The six-month Cape Venture Bridge programme, run by AfricArise as part of the AfricArena network, is accepting applications until 15 November 2026. Selected startups will receive investment-readiness training, individual mentorship and technology credits.
The programme is delivered with support from the Western Cape Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT).
The five highest-performing startups will join a funded delegation to GITEX Africa, taking place in Morocco from 26 to 28 April 2027. Investor and business-partner meetings will be arranged for the delegation in advance.
The programme will select 20 startups for its first cohort. Each will receive at least 12 hours of one-on-one mentorship, training in cross-border finance and regulation, and investor pitching support.
Participants will also receive R125,000 in technology credits through programme partners and an opportunity to present at a public pitch event in Cape Town.
The initiative is aimed at technology and innovation-driven businesses, including those operating in software-as-a-service, climate technology, agriculture technology, financial technology, e-commerce and health technology.
Applicants must be registered and operating in the Western Cape, have at least two co-founders or full-time team members able to attend programme activities, and plan to enter international markets within the next 12 months.
Dan Mabbyalas, director of programmes at AfricArise, said the initiative was intended to help local startups become investment-ready and connect with international investors and partners.
The programme is also seeking applications from women and young founders.
Dedat chief director Tim Parle said the initiative could help technology businesses strengthen their investment readiness and access international markets, supporting entrepreneurship, economic growth and job creation in the province.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday, 15 November 2026. Startups can apply through the Cape Venture Bridge application form.
Applicants should have their Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) registration number, revenue figures and pitch deck link ready. The application process is expected to take about 25 minutes.
The first cohort is scheduled to be confirmed by 19 November, with the programme due to begin by 23 November.
Over its first 12 months, Cape Venture Bridge aims to support 40 startups across two cohorts, facilitate more than 80 investor meetings and 50 business-to-business introductions, and contribute to more than R3m in capital facilitated. These are programme targets rather than guaranteed outcomes.
More information is available on the AfricArise website.
