Cascador ScaleUp 2026 Application

The Cascador ScaleUp program is bespoke, including a deep dive analysis of your company, participation by your leadership team in select sessions and activities, and introductions and advisory support personalized for your growth-stage venture.

For complete Cascador ScaleUp Program details CLICK HERE.

To be eligible for the Cascador ScaleUp program, you must have:

  • 2+ years in operations (consideration given to startups if other performance metrics are very strong)
  • ₦100M+ (equivalent of $70k+ USD) in annual revenue, although typical revenue is >₦1B
  • Based or operating in Sub-Saharan Africa (preference for Nigeria based ventures and recommendations from our trusted partners, faculty and advisors)
  • Preference given to companies making a strong social impact

Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered.

The last day to complete this preliminary application is June 15th, 5 pm WAT.

Full applications will be due from Semifinalists on June 29th, 5 pm WAT.

Early application benefits:

  1. The full application will require additional time for Semifinalists to complete. It includes a financial model, financial statement uploads, video submission, and a team questionnaire. The earlier you apply, the more time you have before full applications are due on June 29th.
  2. We will extend full application invitations to Semifinalists on a weekly basis throughout the application cycle (April 1st - June 15th). If you wait until June 15th to complete the preliminary application, you will only have 2 weeks for full application submission.
  3. The earlier you complete the full application, the more time we have to assess your application and consider you as Finalist for a live interview.
  4. If your full application is submitted by May 25th and you are a top contender for Finalist, you will receive an exclusive invitation to attend Pitch Day on June 3rd in person. The event is invitation only and we are making limited seating available for pre-vetted, highly qualified Semifinalists.

To learn more about Cascador and meet our leadership team and alumni, you may attend the following in person Open Houses:

Once you begin your application, you may Save and Resume Later at the bottom of this form. If you require assistance, please email folasayo@cascador.org.

Good luck! We look forward to reviewing your application.

Under USD 70,000 equivalent will not be considered
Open to companies operating in Subsaharan Africa
(e.g Number of jobs created, number of underserved people with access to healthcare, number of tonnes of food produced)
i.e., the currency in which you report revenue

What was your company's revenue for the last 3 calendar years? (in your selected currency)

Please report revenue in the currency selected above.
Please report revenue in the currency selected above.
Please report revenue in the currency selected above.

What was your company's net profit for the last 3 calendar years? (in your selected currency)

Please report net profit in the currency selected above.
Please report net profit in the currency selected above.
Please report net profit in the currency selected above.
Gross margin = (revenue-COGS) / revenue. Input in percentage %
Please report projected revenue in the currency selected above.
(Net burn rate = Total monthly revenue − Total monthly expenses).

How much funding do you anticipate seeking in 2026?

(Equity, Debt, Grants)
This is a bespoke program, what do you need most to scale? (Select up to 3)
Describe the profile of your primary customer e.g. women petty traders / large financial services companies
Ensure access is enabled (Max 10MB) and maximum of 12 slides. Format - Google Slides
E.g Alice, Chief of Staff
Agreement

Cascador Acceleration Program - Application Disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer carefully before submitting your application to the Cascador Acceleration Program (the "Program"). By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this disclaimer. Consent for Review and Analysis: By submitting your application and any accompanying documents (collectively, the "Application Materials"), you hereby grant Cascador, its team, faculty, and service providers (collectively, the "Cascador Parties") your express consent to review, analyse, and evaluate the Application Materials for the purpose of considering your application for participation in the Program. Accuracy of Information: You represent and warrant that all information provided in your Application Materials is true, accurate, complete, and not misleading. You understand that Cascador Parties will rely on the accuracy of this information in their evaluation process. You acknowledge that you have a continuing obligation to update Cascador Parties if any information provided in your Application Materials becomes inaccurate or incomplete. Intellectual Property and Rights to Use: You represent and warrant that you either own the intellectual property rights in all content included in your Application Materials or that you have obtained all necessary consents, licenses, and permissions to use and submit such content for the purpose of your application to the Program. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Cascador Parties from any claim, demand, loss, damage, or expense (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to any alleged or actual infringement of intellectual property rights in your Application Materials. Consequences of False Information: You understand and agree that if any information provided in your Application Materials is found to be false, inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading at any stage of the application process or during the Program, Cascador reserves the right to disqualify you from further consideration for the Program, or to immediately terminate your participation in the Program if you have already been accepted, without any obligation or liability to you. No Guarantee of Acceptance: You acknowledge that applying does not guarantee your acceptance into the Program. The selection process is competitive, and Cascador reserves the sole right to make all decisions regarding admissions. Confidentiality: While Cascador Parties will treat your Application Materials with reasonable confidentiality, you understand that the nature of the review process may require sharing your information with internal teams and external evaluators. By submitting your application, you consent to this sharing for the purpose of evaluating your application. Disclaimer of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Cascador Parties shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, or expense incurred by you in connection with the preparation or submission of your application or your participation in the application process. Governing Law: This Application Disclaimer shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Entire Agreement: This Application Disclaimer constitutes the entire agreement between you and Cascador with respect to the application process for the Program and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written. Right to Modify: Cascador reserves the right to modify this Application Disclaimer at any time without prior notice. The latest version of the disclaimer will be posted on the Program website or otherwise communicated to applicants. By proceeding with your application, you signify your understanding and acceptance of this Application Disclaimer.