African early-stage entrepreneurs with a vision to drive positive change are encouraged to apply for the Stockholm-based Norrsken Accelerator, which is offering US$125,000 in funding alongside an eight-week intensive business development program.
The accelerator was established in 2016 by Niklas Adalberth, a co-founder of the Swedish fintech unicorn Klarna. Norrsken’s mission is to support entrepreneurs focused on solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The foundation’s ecosystem includes Norrsken House, a co-working space in Stockholm that houses over 350 impact-driven entrepreneurs, the Norrsken Founders Fund, and Norrsken VC.
Expanding its reach, Norrsken inaugurated its operations in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2019, positioning it as a hub for its investments throughout the East and Central African region. Last November, it successfully closed its first African technology growth fund at US$205 million.
The Norrsken Accelerator, with its base in Stockholm, is now welcoming applications from globally situated startups for its 2024 intake. The program, running from July to September at Norrsken House, is on the lookout for startups at the pre-seed level that are making significant impacts through innovative technologies underpinned by sustainable business models.
Successful applicants from around the globe will benefit from an equity investment of US$125,000. Additionally, they will engage in an eight-week intensive “sprint” at Norrsken House in Stockholm, where they will have round-the-clock access to a workspace designed to inspire and accommodate the needs of tech and impact entrepreneurs. Throughout the program, startups will receive custom-tailored support, including one-on-one sessions with mentors and experts tailored to their specific needs, all aimed at enhancing their scale, growth, and impact.
The program culminates in the Norrsken Investor Day, where the startups will present their ventures to a large audience comprising investors, potential partners, and clients. While the program officially concludes with a final celebration, the support from Norrsken does not end there. Participants will continue to receive support through a platform designed for peer advice, feedback, and connections to investors and partners.
Applications are currently open until the end of April, inviting founders who are determined to make a significant impact on the future to seize this opportunity.
