Bridge To MassChallenge Benin 2022

Bridge to MassChallenge Benin is a national startup competition in partnership with Zeleus that identifies and accelerates the top startups in Benin while connecting them to the MassChallenge global network. The program is focused on supporting early-stage startups across all industries that are based in Benin and interested in growing their business in the Beninese market and beyond.  

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Join us for a virtual Info-Session
October 19, 2022 | 2:00 - 3:00 PM WAT / 9:00 - 10:00 AM ET
Join the Bridge to MassChallenge Benin team and learn how this program will accelerate your startup with a candid conversation and live Q&A!
Register Here

Who We Are

Bridge to MassChallenge Benin will identify and accelerate top startups that are based in Benin and interested in growing their business in the global market. All startups which are accepted into the program will participate in local training which will help them develop their businesses and marketing their initiatives. Startups selected for the program will participate in a MassChallenge-led virtual startup bootcamp followed by a pitch competition that will determine the top Bridge to MassChallenge Benin startups. The top startups will participate in a second and third week-long bootcamps where they’ll have access to the MassChallenge Switzerland and Boston ecosystems respectively. Applications for eligible startups are now open and deadline for the application has now been extended to October 31, 2022. 

This program targets innovative startups operating across all industries. Startups looking to apply must be operating and be based in Benin. The program also aims to create a robust ecosystem to promote accountability and continuous quality improvement. 

Who Can Participate?

We look for entrepreneurs who want to take their businesses to the next level. 

We accept applications from early-stage and growth-stage startups from all over Benin and across any industry. We’re looking for Beninese startups who want to grow locally while having global access to the MassChallenge network. 

Startups must: 

• Demonstrate product/market fit 
• Have a skilled and experienced team 
• Have at least one team member who is conversant in English 
• Be located in Benin and aspire to grow and scale within the Benin ecosystem and internationally 
• Have raised less than ~$1M in equity-based funding and generated less than ~$2M in revenue in the last 12 months 

What’s in it for startups?

Top startups will be selected to participate in an intensive, 4-month program that encompasses both online and in-person portions, where startups develop and implement bespoke project plans to further their localization journeys and get exposed to prominent global markets.  Acceptance into the program will be judged by a panel of experts, and will be at the sole discretion of the  Bridge to MassChallenge team. 

Startups will also receive:  

• Tailored mentoring and coaching offered by Zeleus and other local mentors, access to local and global mentors of the MassChallenge network, as well as mentors from the Benin entrepreneurial ecosystem  
• Tailored curriculum based on startups' specific needs 
• Top startups will have the opportunity to participate in week-long immersive innovation ecosystem and boot camps in Lausanne, Switzerland and Boston, USA 
• Potential investment funding opportunities by facilitating connections to investors and a private demo-day  
• Access to the MassChallenge global network