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
(Invitation only)
INNOVATION PRIZES
In addition to the main funding pool, two special innovation prizes will be awarded:
- NSIA Prize for Innovation: $10,000 USD sponsored by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority
- DBN Innovation Prize: $5,000 USD sponsored by the Development Bank of Nigeria
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 in April 2025. If you are a journalist, lender or investor interested in attending, please request an invitation at info@cascador.org.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
FEB 14: Alumni Funding Application Opens
MAR 13: Application Deadline
APRIL 1: Semi-finalists Announced
MAY 14: Pitch Day Event
MAY-AUGUST: Terms Negotiation and Disbursement
Our Investment Committee
INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Our Investment Committee evaluates applications based on three key areas:
Impact
- Social impact metrics unique to each business model
- Job creation potential
- Opportunities created for underprivileged communities
- Sustainable scale and growth trajectory
Business Viability
- Market traction and operational expertise
- Unit economics and profitability potential
- Team composition and experience
- Product scalability and competitive advantage
- Strength of references and testimonials
Financial Assessment
- Debt capacity (for debt requests)
- Exit potential (for equity requests)
- Capital efficiency and deployment strategy
“Our mission isn’t to deliver profit like a venture fund, but to amplify impact and preserve capital for future Cascador alumni.”
— Dave DeLucia, Founder of Cascador
FUNDING CATEGORIES
The Catalytic Fund provides tailored financial solutions based on each entrepreneur’s specific business needs and growth stage:
-
Debt Financing
Loan structures designed to support operational growth and expansion.
-
Equity Investment
Capital investment in exchange for ownership stakes in promising businesses.
-
Hybrid Solutions
Flexible financing options including a blend of debt and equity, as well as collateral and guarantees.
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
Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN): Sponsors the DBN Prize for Innovation ($5,000 USD) to celebrate entrepreneurial excellence.
FAQ
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Who is eligible to apply for the Catalytic Fund?
The Catalytic Fund is exclusively available to graduates of the Cascador program.
How much funding can alumni apply for?
While we distribute $2 million annually, individual funding amounts vary based on business needs, stage, and impact potential. There is no set minimum or maximum amount.
What type of funding does the Catalytic Fund provide?
We provide a mix of debt, equity, collateral, and guarantees based on what will be most catalytic for your business growth.
How often can alumni apply?
Alumni can apply each year during our annual funding cycle, even if they’ve previously received funding.
What happens after Pitch Day?
Selected companies enter a negotiation and documentation phase to finalize terms, followed by capital disbursement.
What criteria are used to evaluate applications?
Applications are evaluated based on impact metrics, business viability, and financial assessment criteria.
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