Cascador, an Africa-focused platform dedicated to supporting growth-stage entrepreneurs building transformative businesses, has officially opened applications for its 2026 ScaleUp programme. This is a flagship initiative designed to equip founders with the leadership capacity, strategic clarity, and high-value networks required to scale sustainably.
Since its inception in 2019, Cascador has demonstrated measurable impact, supporting 70 founders who have collectively raised over $125 million and generated nearly 67,000 jobs in 2025 alone.
With applications open until June 15 and the programme set to commence on August 15, the 2026 cohort promises a highly selective and intensive experience for just 12 entrepreneurs.
As CEO Trish Thomas aptly noted, “Entrepreneurs are the engines of change,” underscoring the programme’s mission to empower founders “building businesses that transform lives, communities, and markets.”
What is Cascador?
Cascador is a mission-driven platform focused on nurturing African entrepreneurs who are building businesses with the potential to drive meaningful social and economic transformation.
Rather than targeting early-stage startups, Cascador concentrates on growth-stage companies, ventures that have already demonstrated traction and are poised for expansion.
By offering a combination of strategic guidance, leadership development, and access to capital, the platform plays a critical role in bridging the gap between promising businesses and long-term, sustainable scale.
Since 2019, Cascador’s track record has positioned it as a key player in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The organization’s ability to help founders collectively raise over $125 million and create tens of thousands of jobs highlights its emphasis not just on growth, but on impact-driven entrepreneurship.
What to Know About Cascador’s 2026 ScaleUp Programme
The ScaleUp programme is Cascador’s flagship initiative, tailored specifically for founders who are on the verge of scaling their businesses. It is structured as a 12-week hybrid programme, combining virtual and in-person elements to deliver an immersive learning and growth experience.
Participants are selected into an elite cohort of just 12 founders, ensuring a highly personalized and focused engagement.
The programme is designed to “strengthen their leadership and sharpen their strategy, preparing them for responsible scale,” reflecting Cascador’s commitment to building not just bigger companies, but better-led and more sustainable ones.
The programme culminates in a live pitch day, where founders present their businesses to a network of investors and stakeholders, potentially unlocking further growth opportunities.
Bespoke Support and Access to Global Expertise
One of the defining features of the ScaleUp programme is its emphasis on tailored, one-on-one support. Selected founders receive bespoke mentorship from a diverse network of investors, African and international experts, and strategic partners.
This personalized approach ensures that each participant’s unique business challenges and opportunities are addressed in depth.
By connecting entrepreneurs to high-level expertise and strategic insights, Cascador enables founders to refine their business models, strengthen decision-making processes, and position their ventures for long-term success.
This level of individualized attention distinguishes the programme from more generalized accelerator models.
Funding Opportunities Through the Catalytic Fund
Beyond mentorship and training, Cascador provides a clear pathway to capital through its Catalytic Fund. The fund deploys between $2 million and $5 million annually in growth capital, offering selected founders the opportunity to secure follow-on funding to scale their operations.
This integration of capacity-building and financial support is critical, as many African startups struggle to access the capital needed to transition from growth-stage to large-scale enterprises.
By aligning funding with strategic development, Cascador ensures that entrepreneurs are not only investment-ready but also equipped to deploy capital effectively.
Building the Next Generation of African Businesses
At its core, Cascador’s mission extends beyond individual business success to broader societal impact. By supporting ventures that demonstrate both commercial viability and transformative potential, the platform contributes to job creation, economic development, and innovation across the continent.
The organization explicitly positions entrepreneurs as catalysts for change, with CEO Trish Thomas stating, “Our goal is to help accelerate growth-stage founders who we consider great multipliers.”
She further emphasized that the programme is “designed to empower impactful ventures on the cusp of scale for social good,” highlighting the dual focus on profitability and purpose.
Application Timeline and Programme Kickoff
Applications for the 2026 ScaleUp programme are currently open and will close on June 15, giving eligible founders a limited window to apply. The programme is scheduled to begin on August 15, marking the start of an intensive 12-week journey for the selected cohort.
Given the programme’s competitive nature and proven track record, prospective applicants are expected to demonstrate strong business traction, leadership potential, and a clear vision for scaling their impact. Application portal can be accessed here.
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