Ready to Scale Your Business?
Apply to the Cascador ScaleUp Program
Cascador ScaleUp prepares growth-stage founders to successfully deploy growth capital and build companies that endure.
Through a combination of bespoke business analysis, leadership development, and practical strategic guidance, founders strengthen both their company and their ability to lead it at scale. The program also creates a clear pathway to capital through the Cascador Catalytic Fund, which deploys up to $5M USD annually.
Now accepting applications until June 15 at 5:00 PM WAT
All applicants begin with a 15-minute preliminary application. Selected founders are then invited to complete a full application on a rolling basis.
Applying early gives top candidates more time to complete the full application and increases the likelihood of receiving an invitation to attend Pitch Day on June 3.
Is Cascador Right for You?
Cascador ScaleUp is designed for growth-stage founders with proven traction, a strong team, and a business ready for its next phase of scale.
Our most successful applicants are both learning and capital multipliers — founders who are ambitious, adaptable, and capable of deploying capital effectively to drive growth.
- You have traction and proven product-market fit
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You have a strong team in place and are ready to become a more effective leader
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Your business can absorb and deploy growth capital responsibly
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You are ready to strengthen your strategy, governance, and financial discipline
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Your company is at a true inflection point for scale
- You are building a business with meaningful impact
Cascador supports high-performing businesses across sectors — including both real economy and tech-enabled ventures.
What Founders Gain
Cascador ScaleUp is designed to deliver practical, high-impact outcomes you can apply directly to your business.
Strategy & Scale
- Bespoke Business Health Check with clear, actionable recommendations
- Sharper business model and value proposition to strengthen your competitive position
- Defined path to scale across operations, team, and systems
Capital & Growth
- Stronger capital readiness including fundraising strategy and financial discipline
- Improved ability to deploy capital effectively to drive sustainable growth
- Clearer financial and operational discipline to support scaling responsibly
Leadership & Network
- Personalized connections to experienced founders, advisors, and capital partners
- Practical, growth-focused learning you can apply immediately to your business
- Selective involvement of your leadership team in key sessions and activities
ScaleUp Program Overview
Each year, Cascador brings together an elite cohort of Africa’s most promising founders — leaders who have built real traction and are ready to scale with greater discipline and clarity.
Cascador ScaleUp is a 12-week leadership and business development experience built around your company. Through a combination of bespoke analysis, practical learning, and personalized advisory support, founders refine their strategy, strengthen their leadership, and prepare to deploy capital effectively.
The program combines in-person intensives, virtual sessions, and hands-on work inside your business — ensuring that what you learn translates directly into action.
Program Benefits
A high-impact experience designed to support founders with both the capabilities and capital required to scale.
Bespoke ScaleUp Experience
Tailored guidance built around your company’s stage, opportunities, and challenges.
Pathway to Catalytic Fund
Alumni are eligible to apply for funding from Cascador’s annual capital pool of up to $5M USD.
$5,000 Founder Stipend
Awarded upon successful completion of the program.
$50,000 in Pitch Prizes
Awarded during the in-person intensive and Pitch Day.
Travel, Lodging & Meals Covered
For all required in-person program sessions.
ScaleUp Program Details
Everything you need to know before applying.
Eligibility
- 2+ years in operation
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$70K+ USD (₦100M+) in annual revenue
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Based or operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Preference for ventures with meaningful social impact
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Commitment to full program Participation
2026 Program Dates
- Pre-Program Prep: Aug 17-28 (remote)
- Inperson Kickoff (Lagos): Aug 31-Sep 3
- Site Visits: Week of Sept 7
- Weekly Virtual Education: Sept 14-Oct 31
- In-Person Intensive & Pitch Day (Lagos): Nov 2-6
Application Process & Key Details
- All applicants begin with a 15-minute preliminary application
- Selected founders are invited to complete a full application
- Semi-finalists submit additional materials, including financials
- Finalists are selected for interviews
- Cohort participants are notified by August 1
- Applying early increases your chances of receiving a Pitch Day invitation
Cascador Catalytic Fund: A Path to Growth Capital
Cascador ScaleUp does more than strengthen your business and leadership — it creates a clear pathway to growth capital.
Alumni who complete the program become eligible to apply for funding from the Cascador Catalytic Fund, which deploys up to $5M USD annually.
The Fund provides a tailored mix of financing solutions including debt, equity, guarantees, and collateral support in partnership with Sterling Bank. It’s designed to help high-potential ventures access and deploy capital effectively.
Ready to Scale Your Business?
Join a cohort of growth-stage founders building high-impact, scalable businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Visit our YouTube Channel to view more Cascador videos, interviews and testimonials
critical question: who is my primary customer?'
and the trajectory of my business"
improving the ability to tell my story"
everybody shares without fear or judgement. Hearing
others share their stories, your recognize some of their
struggles as your own."
growth."
