Renew Capital has opened applications for the Renew Venture Lab: EmFi Series, a programme designed to support African founders building solutions that combine technology platforms with financial services.
The initiative targets startups that already serve small and medium-sized businesses and have access to valuable customer data that can support financial offerings such as lending, payments, or embedded finance.
The programme aims to help these founders integrate financial products directly into their platforms and prepare their companies for investment opportunities.
The organisers note that many small businesses across Africa still struggle to access financing through banks.
Startups that already work closely with these businesses are in a position to address this gap by introducing financial services within the tools their customers already use.
Through the Renew Venture Lab, participants will take part in a combination of self-paced learning modules and live sessions led by experienced operators who have built embedded finance products and managed lending portfolios.
The sessions will guide developing alternative lending models, structuring financial products, and building strategies that support growth and scale.
The programme is also structured to prepare founders for investor engagement. Companies that complete the programme will refine their financial models, improve their pitch materials, and build investor-ready data rooms.
Selected startups may also be invited to present to the Renew Capital investment team for potential funding consideration.
Renew Capital states that the Venture Lab offers access to a network of investors, operators, and founders across Africa and the diaspora.
Participants will also gain practical insights from professionals who understand the technical and regulatory realities of building financial services in African markets.
The programme is open to founders running B2B SaaS platforms, fintech startups, or other data-driven businesses that serve SMEs and have early traction with a clear path to scale.
Companies do not have to be fintech-focused but should be able to integrate financial services into their products to address customer needs.
The application process includes submission, screening, and selection. Successful applicants will join the Venture Lab, complete programme modules, and deliver required milestones.
Top-performing startups will then be shortlisted to pitch to the Renew Capital investment team, where they may be considered for investment after evaluation and due diligence.
Applications are open and founders can apply for early consideration before the April 30 deadline.
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