Alumni Fund

Growth Capital Designed for the Next Stage Scale

The Cascador Catalytic Fund helps high-potential alumni companies access the capital they need to grow responsibly and sustainably. As part of Cascador’s broader ScaleUp platform, the Fund is designed to support founders who have strengthened their leadership, refined their strategy, and are ready to deploy capital effectively for growth.

The Fund deploys $2–5M USD annually through tailored financing solutions designed to meet the needs of growth-stage businesses.

ScaleUp Pitch Day: Annual Capital Awards

 

Selected alumni present at Cascador’s annual Pitch Day, where capital awards are announced and prizes are awarded by a panel of judges. Pitch Day brings together Cascador faculty, advisors, lenders, investors, ecosystem partners, and alumni for a high-visibility event focused on growth, capital, and long-term business resilience.

How The Process Works

  • Eligible alumni apply for Catalytic Fund consideration

  • Selected companies present at the annual ScaleUp Showcase
  • Funding decisions are made based on a combination of impact, business viability, and financial assessment
  • Capital is structured to match the needs of each business

What Makes the Fund Different?

The Cascador Catalytic Fund is designed to provide tailored capital, not one-size-fits-all financing. By combining strategic support with flexible funding structures, Cascador helps alumni founders access capital that fits their stage, model, and growth ambitions.

INVESTMENT CRITERIA

Applications are evaluated across three core dimensions. 

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 is not to fund growth for its own sake. It is to direct catalytic capital toward strong alumni companies that are creating real impact, building resilient businesses, and strengthening Africa’s entrepreneurial future.”

— Dave DeLucia, Founder of Cascador

FUNDING SOLUTIONS

The Catalytic Fund provides tailored financing solutions based on the needs, revenue model, and growth stage of each alumni company.

  • Debt Financing

    Loan structures designed to support operational growth and expansion.

 

  • Equity Investment

    Capital provided in exchange for ownership where equity is the right fit for long-term scale.

 

  • Hybrid Solutions

    Flexible financing options including a blend of debt and equity, as well as collateral and guarantees.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Cascador works with leading financial and ecosystem partners to expand access to growth capital for alumni companies. These partnerships help us deliver tailored funding solutions, strengthen diligence, and support founders as they scale.

Sterling

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

NSIA Button

Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA): Sponsored the NSIA Prize for Innovation ($10,000 USD) awarded at Pitch Day 2025.

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 ScaleUp Showcase Day:

Amanda Etuk
Program Director
Email: amanda@cascador.org
Phone: +234 2013309272