Cascador, an Africa-focused platform that unlocks the potential of the region’s most transformative entrepreneurs, has today announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Cascador ScaleUp Program, for an elite class of ambitious founders poised to scale their companies.
Focused on both real economy and technology-enabled ventures, the program equips growth-stage entrepreneurs with the leadership skills, strategic clarity, and network to succeed, while also preparing founders to apply for $2–5 million annually in debt or equity capital through the Cascador Catalytic Fund.
Cascador will select 12 founders who are leading companies with proven traction for a hybrid experience that will include:
The application process is two-fold, with a preliminary application requiring 15 minutes to complete, followed by a full application for well-qualified founders.
Early submission of the preliminary application is encouraged. Benefits include: personal interviews, exclusive event participation, and early semi-finalist notification for top applicants.
Applications are open now and close on June 15, with the program commencing on August 15.
“Entrepreneurs are the engines of change. At Cascador, our goal is to help accelerate growth-stage founders who we consider great multipliers, building businesses that transform lives, communities, and markets. This Program is designed to empower impactful ventures on the cusp of scale for social good,” said Trish Thomas, CEO of Cascador.
Since 2019, Cascador has supported 70 ventures that have collectively raised $125 million in capital. In 2025 alone, Cascador’s alumni created over 67,000 job opportunities and delivered essential products and services to more than 1.7 million customers.
The 2026 program aims to multiply this impact by supporting a new generation of business leaders who are ambitious, adaptable, and capable of using both knowledge and capital to scale high-performing companies that deliver meaningful, lasting social and economic impact.
“The ScaleUp program is designed to back entrepreneurs who see possibilities where others see limits; they are the ones redefining Africa’s future. Even with great vision, committed teams, and market-fit products, there are a myriad of challenges to navigate as a business. Cascador provides the customized, structural support they need to overcome obstacles, scale with confidence, and create lasting impact across Africa,” commented David DeLucia, Co-Founder of Cascador.
Cascador has developed a personalized approach to growth acceleration that engages the founder and their leadership team in targeted knowledge-sharing, high-value introductions, advisory support, and resource allocations that enable rapid scale.
Today, Cascador boasts 7 successful cohorts, including Babatunde Akin-Moses (Sycamore), Joycee Awosika (ORÍKÌ), Samson Ogbole (Soiless Farm Lab), Ayoola Dominic (Koolboks), Andrew Airelobhegbe (Lenco), Adeola Alli (OneHealth), Seun Alley (Fez Delivery), Seyi Adefemi (Drive45 Mobility), and many others, who are driving innovation, creating jobs, raising investment capital, winning awards, and changing the face of the African economy.