Applications are now open for the 2025 Paper Plane Pan-African Program. Paper Plane is a Pan-African program designed for startups in the pre-seed and seed stages, offering unique learning opportunities, investor matching, and exposure to foster their development on a global scale.

Paper Plane is a program targeting African startups that have an MVP. It aims to provide entrepreneurs with access to pre-seed and seed funding opportunities, exposure in African markets, and the chance to connect with regional ecosystem players. The program is executed through a 7-week hybrid engagement that concludes in a fully funded immersion week held in Morocco .

Eligibility Requirements

• Pre-seed and seed stages startups
• Incorporated within the African continent
• Aimed at international scalability
• Tech-enabled solution tackling global challenges
• Proven traction with demonstrated market validation and business progress

Program Structure

5-week online program

Throughout the program startups will gain practical insights on the following topics: Expansion, Soft Landing Organisations, Investment, Alternative Investments, and pitch deck development complemented by hands-on activities that encourage connection-building, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer learning.

A fully funded Immersion Trip (GIW)

An immersion program in an MEA country designed to provide startups with exposure to the market, its various actors, and opportunities. The program also facilitates connections and financial matchmaking by bringing together Venture Capitalists (VCs), Soft Landing Organizations (SSOs), Accelerators, and startups.

Program Benefits

A Learning approach based on practice

Participants will deepen their knowledge on crucial topics through: – Training and panel sessions led by experienced trainers; – Hands-on experience with home assignments; – Exchange sessions and peer-to-peer learning.

Financing opportunities and matching

Participants will have the opportunity to present their ideas and engage with Venture Capitalists (VCs) and accelerators, fostering potential pre-seed and seed investment connections.

Ecosystem Immersion

During the fully funded immersion week in the African country, startups will have the opportunity to gain insights into the Moroccan market, understand its key players, and dynamics, and identify available opportunities.

An African community

Participants will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and engage with diverse stakeholders on a regional scale, through the access to the OST international community.

Paper Plane is supported by Open Startup’s inception partners: AfricaGrow, Columbia Engineering, Columbia Business School, the U.S. Embassy Tunis, AfricInvest Group, and The Dot. Along with the program and anchor program partner: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE).

For More Information:

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