Cascador, an entrepreneur support organisation in Nigeria, has opened applications for its 2026 ScaleUp Program, targeting growth-stage businesses across both the country’s technology ecosystem and the real economy.
The 12-week programme will select 12 founders and equip them with the skills, knowledge, and networks required to scale their ventures sustainably. At a time when many African startups are navigating tighter funding conditions and shifting investor expectations, initiatives like Cascador’s are positioning themselves as critical bridges between early traction and long-term growth.
“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 programme is designed to empower impactful ventures on the cusp of scale for social good,” Trish Thomas, CEO of Cascador, said.
According to Amanda Etuk, Programme Director at Cascador, the initiative was designed to address a persistent funding gap. Many startups in Nigeria, she noted, often outgrow traditional accelerators but are still considered too early for institutional capital.
“Most businesses need a mix of instruments. Some businesses don’t have to give up huge equity for growth that they can finance from their revenue,” she said. “For businesses operating in the real economy, there are alternative ways we can support those sectors beyond venture capital.”
This hybrid approach to funding has become more relevant in recent years, particularly as founders explore non-dilutive financing options. In 2025, Cascador announced a partnership with Sterling Bank to provide local currency debt at below-market rates. Through this collaboration, eligible businesses receive support with loan applications, including access to bank guarantees and collateral support, enabling them to secure single-digit interest loans from financial institutions.
Since launching in 2019, Cascador says it has supported over 70 ventures, which have collectively raised more than $100 million in funding. Beyond capital, the organisation tracks the broader impact of its alumni. In 2025 alone, Cascador-backed businesses reportedly created 67,000 job opportunities and served 1.7 million customers.
Notable alumni include Nigerian fintech Sycamore and mobility startup Drive45. For Drive45, which offers vehicle financing through a rent-to-own model and secured ₦2 billion in financing last year, participation in the programme helped sharpen its strategic direction.
“My forward-thinking approach is now ten steps ahead, and I’m making decisions with greater discipline. The programme challenged me to think bigger, refine my vision, and build systems that allow my business to grow sustainably,” Oluwaseyi Adefemi, Co-Founder and CEO of Drive45, said.
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Beyond founder-focused support, Cascador also works closely with startup teams. Before the programme begins, participating companies undergo assessments across key areas, including legal, revenue, technology, operations, and product development. This approach allows Cascador to tailor its support rather than apply a one-size-fits-all model.
“One of the benefits of Cascador is that we don’t give a cookie-cutter approach to every problem. Every business is different, and with our network of advisers and mentors, we’re able to determine the most relevant support for each company,” Etuk explained.
To qualify, founders must have been building their businesses for at least two years and demonstrate measurable traction. Cascador says it is also looking for coachable founders who can translate the programme’s support into outsized business growth and impact.
