Transforming African Entrepreneurship
Through Strategic Investment
Cascador is proud to announce our $2M Catalytic Fund, a landmark commitment to developing transformational entrepreneurs across Nigeria. Beginning in May 2025, we will allocate $2 million USD annually to empower our Cascador alumni with the capital they need to scale their impact and drive sustainable economic growth. This long-term investment ensures consistent support for transformational businesses making a difference in communities across Nigeria.
The Catalytic Fund offers a tailored mix of debt, equity, and collateral investments designed to meet the unique needs of each business. We’re proud to partner with Sterling Bank to provide flexible financing solutions that are customized to each entrepreneur’s business model and cash flow patterns.
PITCH DAY
The Catalytic Fund Pitch Day represents the culmination of our funding process and serves as the final step in deciding which entrepreneurs receive investment from our Catalytic Fund.
This exclusive, invitation-only event brings together semi-finalist Cascador alumni to present their businesses to our Investment Committee and a curated audience of investors, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Event Features:
- Live pitches from finalist alumni
- Real-time funding decisions by a panel of judges
- Prize awards from sponsoring partners
- Networking with investors and industry leaders
- Celebration of entrepreneurial excellence
Who Can Participate?
Pitch Day is exclusively available to Cascador alumni who have completed our transformative program. Alumni must submit a comprehensive application addressing business viability, impact metrics, and financial assessment criteria to be considered for semi-finalist interviews and selection as a finalist.
2025 PITCH DAY: $4M USD in Capital Deployed
ANNOUNCING 2025 INNOVATION & BEST PITCH PRIZES
In addition to the main funding pool, two special innovation prizes and a Best Pitch prize were awarded:
- NSIA Prize for Innovation Winner: Michael Ogundare / Crop2Cash ($10,000 USD sponsored by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority)
- DBN Innovation Prize Winner: Omoniyi Salami / N.E.A.T. Microcredit ($5,000 USD sponsored by the Development Bank of Nigeria)
- Best Pitch Prize Winner: Joycee Awosika / ORIKI ($10,000 USD awarded by the judging panel for the best presenter)
These prizes celebrate entrepreneurial excellence and innovative approaches to addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.
HOW TO ATTEND
Attendance is by invitation only. Cascador alumni, partners, and select investors and media representatives will receive formal invitations. If you are a journalist, lender or investor interested in attending, please request an invitation to Pitch Day 2026 at info@cascador.org.
2025 PITCH DAY JUDGES
Ada Osakwe
Iyin Aboyeji
Daniel Adeoye
2025 PITCH DAY FINALISTS
Michael Ogundare
Crop 2 Cash
Joycee Awosika
Oriki
Omoniyi Salami
N.E.A.T.
Olumide Gbadebo
Adunni Organics
Babatunde Akin-Moses
Sycamore
Chibuike Goodnews
DoChase
Oluwaseyi Adefemi
Drive45
Olufemi Idowu
24SEVEN
Omowunmi Emmanuel-Ogah
ExCare
2025 SPEAKERS
Abubakar Sulaiman
Managing Director
Sterling Bank
Chinedu Mofunaya
Head, Externally Managed Investments
Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority
Ahmed Umar
Head, Monitoring & Evaluation
Development Bank of Nigeria
Kola Masha
Founder
Babban Gona
Oyin Solebo
Startup Acceleration & Advisory
Our Investment Committee
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Cascador has established partnerships with leading Nigerian financial institutions to enhance the
impact of the Catalytic Fund:
Sterling Bank: Provides blended financing solutions with flexible repayment structures designed around business cash flows. Options include term loans, time loans, equipment lease/asset finance, revenue-based financing, working capital financing, and credit lines.
“Sterling Bank is proud to collaborate with Cascador on this fund that aligns with our commitment to empowering Nigerian entrepreneurs. We’ll offer flexible repayment structures designed around business cash flows that address the unique needs of high-impact businesses.” — Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director/CEO at Sterling Bank
Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA): Sponsored the NSIA Prize for Innovation ($10,000 USD) awarded at Pitch Day.
Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN): Sponsored the DBN Prize for Innovation ($5,000 USD) to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence.
United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria: Hosted the 2025 VIP Reception following Pitch Day.
GET INVOLVED WITH CASCADOR!
CONTACT
For questions about the Catalytic Fund or Pitch Day:
Amanda Etuk
Program Director
Email: amanda@cascador.org
Phone: +234 2013309272
Patrick Amajama
Program Coordinator
Email: patrick@cascador.org