Global tech accelerators Techstars has announced the launch of Techstars Startup Community Catalyst Africa Botswana, a program designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs in refining their ideas, scaling their businesses, and driving long-term impact in their startup communities.
The program will comprise of a series of pre-accelerator and startup education programs including Techstars Founder Catalyst, Techstars Community Development Lab, and Techstars Startup Weekends.
The program also collaborates with Techstars and Merce Anders Equity Group, a Botswana-based private equity and asset management firm.
“Botswana is uniquely positioned to become a vibrant startup community,” says Emilie Vallauri, Program Manager at Techstars. “Through this partnership with Merce Anders Equity Group, we aim to unlock the full potential of entrepreneurs in Botswana and neighboring countries, enabling them to create transformative solutions locally and globally.”
The program will feature:
- Techstars Startup Weekend (March 28–30, 2025): A 54-hour immersive experience where aspiring entrepreneurs form teams, build innovative ideas, and pitch to a panel of judges. Winners will be offered a spot in the Founder Catalyst program.
- Techstars Community Development Lab (July 16, 2025): A one-day workshop designed for community leaders, innovators, and visionaries building the startup community in Botswana and the surrounding region. This invitation-only event provides a curated space for fostering collaboration, exchanging cutting-edge ideas, and equipping attendees with actionable strategies to cultivate sustainable ecosystems.
- Techstars Founder Catalyst (May 5–July 20, 2025): A 10-week hybrid pre-accelerator program focused on achieving funding readiness and scaling for growth. A cohort of up to 20 early-stage startups will be selected via the application process, which opens on January 13, 2025.