Innovation • Focus • Discipline • Dilligence

Turning
Individuals
To Founders

We are dedicated exclusively to primary startup education - the foundational stage where new ideas are conceived, explored, and validated. Our mission is to empower aspiring and first-time founders at the very beginning of their journey, providing the essential knowledge, network and support needed to navigate the challenges of building innovative startups on the continent and beyond

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Founders

Partners

Countries

Cities

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Our FOCUS

Africas leading platform for primary startup education

SDC is the essential starting point for Africa’s next generation of founders. By turning individuals into founders, we build a robust pipeline of innovative startups, drive economic progress, and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems across Africa and other emerging markets. Our commitment to practical, accessible, and high-impact education ensures every founder gets the great start they deserve.

WHY SDC?

Africa’s pipeline of future startup founders.

SDC is the essential starting point for Africa’s next generation of founders. Our founder-first approach, proven methodologies, and strong network make us the go-to platform for those who want to build and grow impactful startups. By focusing on primary startup education, we lay the groundwork for sustainable innovation and long-term success, giving every founder the great start they deserve

Future Outlook & Growth

Program Expansion

Developing novel approaches and models in primary startup education to address evolving founder needs and market trends.

Geographic Reach

Deepening our presence and impact across more regions within Africa and other emerging economies.

Thought Leadership

Enhancing our position as a leading voice in primary startup education and ecosystem development across the continent.

Strategic Partnerships

Continuously forging new alliances with organizations that share our vision for empowering African founders.

SDC Startup School

A self-paced, online program dedicated to foundational startup education. It bridges the knowledge gap for aspiring and early-stage founders, offering essential training on core business concepts, idea validation, and initial market entry.

SDC Launchpad

An intensive, cohort-based pre-incubator focused on accelerating early-stage startup teams. Launchpad guides founders through business model design, traction, and investor readiness.

SDC Champions

Focused on universities, Champions offers dynamic bootcamps, hackathons, and competitions to nurture student startup founders. This program supports ventures from ideation through early execution, helping build a vibrant pipeline of future founders within academic communities.

SDC Startup Stories

A flagship podcast and content platform sharing founder journeys, lessons, and insights. Startup Stories inspires and educates a broad audience, extending SDC’s reach beyond formal programs.

Programs

Our Innovation Drives

SDC’s impact is channeled through a suite of strategically designed programs, each targeting a distinct stage of the entrepreneurial journey

Build With Clarity

Two entrepreneurs collaborating at a desk with laptops and coffee

Objectives & Goals for Founders

Objective - To equip aspiring and first-time African founders with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and support needed to launch and grow successful startups

Goal 1

Guide founders through idea validation, business model execution, and investment storytelling

Goal 2

Foster a practical approach to startup development, ensuring founders can build viable ventures from the ground up

Goal 3

Connect founders with relevant mentorship, resources, and a supportive community

Our Valued Partnerships

SDCs Ability toeffectively collaboratewith diverse organizations

SDCs track record of success is built on a foundation of strong, collaborative partnerships with leading organizations that share our vision for empowering African entrepreneurs. We are proud to highlight some of our key past

BrandDrive

SDC and BrandDrive Announce Landmark 5-Year Partnership to Empower 20,000+ African Startups. Our shared vision is to create a more robust and sustainable startup ecosystem. By combining SDC’s world-class educational programming with BrandDrive’s cutting-edge technology, we will equip founders with the financial literacy and operational discipline needed to build investment-ready, high-growth businesses. This collaboration goes beyond simple software access; it is a deep integration aimed at fostering data-driven decision-making from day one of a startup’s journey.

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Bitnob

SDC partnered with Bitnob, a leading blockchain payment platform, to facilitate their access to three key universities. We designed, developed, and executed an end-to-end pitch competition for student founders within these institutions. This initiative broadened Bitnobs product reach within the student community and equipped aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills in FinTech innovation and digital payment solutions.

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FUTURIZE Global

SDC co-designed and executed multiple cycles of incubator and hackathon programs with FUTURIZE Global. This partnership supported ideation-stage founders from across Africa, guiding them through concept development and early-stage validation, and fostering a spirit of innovation.

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Angels Radar

SDC collaborated with Angels Radar to design and deliver a comprehensive investment readiness program. This program screened and prepared applicants for the Angels Radar investor network, including data room preparation, pitch deck development, business model screening, strategic growth design, and startup storytelling to ensure founders were poised for successful investor engagement.

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Founders Friday

In collaboration with Founders Friday, SDC integrated our proprietary learning program, SDC Startup School, into their pitch competition. This provided 80 applicants with essential entrepreneurial education, making it a key selection criterion and ensuring participants were well-equipped for the competition. These initiatives fostered a vibrant and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Objectives & Goals for Partners

Objective - To be the leading implementation and advisory partner for organizations committed to advancing startup education across Africa and beyond.

Program Excellence

Design and deliver scalable, high-impact programs tailored to partners’ strategic, CSR, or development objectives—ensuring practical outcomes and lasting value.

Strong Pipeline

Connect partners to a diverse and high-potential pool of early-stage founders and startup talent from universities and communities across Africa and emerging markets.

Impact Accountability

Maintain operational excellence and provide transparent, data-driven reporting that clearly demonstrates

Solution Integration

Embed partners’ tools, platforms, and solutions into the early startup journey, driving meaningful engagement, adoption, and real-time product feedback.

OUR AMAZING PARTNERS

Ready to Partner with Us?

We cant do it alone. Join us in building systems that move founders forward.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Partners and Founders Are saying

We cant do it alone. We have a dedicated network of partners passionate about supporting founders growth.

Not gonna lie, SDC Startup School has helped me change my approach regarding my startup since I joined. I now understand that a startup is not just about your idea, but about solving a problem that is actually a problem. SDC Startup School Thank you for the opportunity.

Ifeanyi Obaji

SDC Alumni

I remember a friend sharing details about the SDC Startup School with me. And honestly, it was one of those things I didn’t even know I needed. Founded by Cynthia E. Chisom and it’s honestly one of the most practical startup courses I’ve come across. It’s not just theory, it’s a step-by-step breakdown for anyone who has a business idea and doesn’t know where to start… or how to start smart.From understanding the real work of building an MVP to learning how to validate your idea, create structure, and even communicate your solution better, this course walks you through it all. And the best part? It’s 100% free. I’ve used what I learned from the course to help the startup founders I worked with, especially when we’re structuring marketing strategies or refining goals. If you’re a founder, an aspiring founder, or you’re just curious about how startups work, don’t sleep on this one.

Cynthia Ejikeme

IT Project Manager

Words can't even express my gratitude to the SDC team I must say this is really beyond what you are paid for it is actually an agenda ,a pursuit or a course. I am here to say a big thank you for every time you show up even when it is not convenient for every time you give a footprint, road map, or even vision .... In short thank you SDC for this wonderful program and watch out because I will be right there on your podcast sharing the victories with the upcoming founders

Gabriel Kosoko

SDC Launchpad Alumni

we listened and learnt a lot from our session with Mr Ishmail in the aspect of restructuring our focus and giving us a clear sense of what product we need to build first and fast

Team Orbit (expert session)

SDC Launchpad Alumni

It was very impactful,there’s an understanding of what we are working, then a critique of it, opening our eyes to areas to be wary of, the importance of looking at other industry players. And an assignment. In all it was very impactful and helpful to I and my team. Thank you for the help and support.

Paul Anyaorha

Founder, Agripeller

The advisory sessions provided valuable insights. We gained a clearer understanding of our product, established criteria for failure, and pinpointed our target audience. She also assigned us tasks to identify critical issues and their resolutions, conduct extensive market research, and create a roadmap. We appreciate Cynthias guidance and eagerly anticipate our future sessions with her.

Alfred

Founder, Product Thrive

TThis has been a very helpful and insghtful learning material for me. I converse with other founders who didn't pass through this and I can clearly see a big gap from my approach and theirs. Thanks so much Chisom for all you do. You are indeed one of the true builders on the continent.

Williams Ochu

I have learned a lot, especially yesterday when Cynthia discussed the customer persona, value chain, and friction. It opened my mind to many things one has to know and prepare for before solving any problem.

SDC Cohort 4

18th - 22nd Sept 2023

It has been a great experience so far The class has been a ton of knowledge to my brain. I have been able to understand what it takes to build a startup You have to be ready!!

SDC Cohort 4

18th - 22nd Sept 2023

The podcasts (case studies) stand out for me. Being able to listen to experienced founders with the aim of incorporating those learnings to my activities will definitely be a gamechanger. Not to mention the industry jargon that I've learned over the past three days... I'll definitely sound smarter going forward.

SDC Cohort 4

18th - 22nd Sept 2023

Attending the SDC Start-Up School under the guidance of Cynthia has been an enlightening experience. Cynthias extensive industry knowledge has provided invaluable insights and unique perspectives on the intricacies of building and managing successful startups.

SDC Cohort 4

18th - 22nd Sept 2023

The use of relevant books from case studies of other founders has added a practical dimension to the learning process, enriching my understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape. This program has been an exceptional opportunity for gaining essential knowledge and practical wisdom in the realm of startups.

SDC Cohort 4

18th - 22nd Sept 2023

Insights

Latest from Our Blog

Stay updated with the latest insights, trends, and practical advice for African entrepreneurs

Featured

Why SDC

Dec 15, 2024

5 mins read

The Little Things That Make All the Difference

Some of the most powerful gestures are the ones no one sees. The late-night check-ins, the unexpected calls to ask, “How are you really doing?”, the quiet support when the world feels too loud. When Gabriel Kosoko shared his heartfelt reflection after Launchpad, it captured exactly why SDC takes the time to truly support founders. These words felt like a warm light, a gentle confirmation that the small, sometimes unseen efforts matter more than we can imagine. What makes a founder’s journey special isn’t just the big wins or the perfect pitches. It’s the steady presence of people who believe in you, guide you, and help you see possibilities you didn’t know existed. That’s what SDC strives for every day, to show up for founders, even when it’s tough, even when no one is clapping, even when it would be easier to step back. Because it isn’t just a program, it’s a founder’s journey, one that is shaping some of the most remarkable founders in Africa and around the world. When someone says “thank you” for simply being there, it’s a beautiful reminder that support is more than advice or strategy. It’s about listening, encouraging, and helping shape the quiet, unseen parts of a founder’s story. If you’ve been thinking about starting something new, or if you’re in the middle of building and wondering if anyone sees the effort you’re putting in, this is for you, too. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Across every program, mentorship sessions, workshop, and shared community space, SDC stays dedicated to helping founders feel seen, supported, and ready to build boldly.

SDC

Batch 2 - 2024

Dec 12, 2024

6 mins read

Celebrating Our 2025 Batch 4 Launchers: A Look Back at a Bold Beginning

Earlier this year, we welcomed 40 brave founders into the SDC Launchpad family, a group we proudly call Batch 4 Launchers for 2025. From cities across Nigeria like Abuja, Benue, Lagos, Ibadan, Uyo, Katsina, and even the UK, each launcher stepped forward with one shared goal, to build something meaningful and push beyond their limits. Twelve women and twenty-eight men made up this batch, a blend of solo founders and teams, each story different, but all connected by a commitment to start. This cohort journeyed through programs, mentorship sessions, community conversations, and long nights of refining their visions. They learned to embrace the discomfort of growth, ask better questions, and shape their ideas into practical solutions. For SDC, Launchpad isn’t just a program; it’s a living ecosystem, a space where founders learn, unlearn, experiment, and build alongside others who believe in the power of building. Batch 4 reminded us what happens when courage meets community. Every pitch session, every group call, and every quiet moment of self-doubt faced and overcome, these are the building blocks of a founder’s journey. To every founder who chose to step forward with Batch 4, we see your courage, your commitment, and the sparks of change you’re creating. This milestone isn’t just about the months you spent in Launchpad, it’s about what comes next and the ripple effect of everything you’re building. As an ecosystem dedicated to shaping some of Africa’s most remarkable founders, we’re honored to have been part of your story so far.Congratulations again to the Batch 4 Launchers. Here’s to the ideas you’ll bring to life and the impact waiting ahead. 👉 Curious about Launchpad? Join the waitlist here to get updates on when the next cohort opens.

SDC

Fundraising

Dec 10, 2024

4 mins read

How Do You Build a Startup That Lasts?

We’ve seen startups rise. We’ve seen others fold. The real question isn’t just why they fail, but what we can learn from it. Building a startup that lasts goes beyond raising money or launching a shiny product. It’s about laying strong foundations, habits, mindsets and decisions that stand up even when trends shift and funding slows down. Many founders believe they need to have every answer before they start. But lasting startups are rarely built on perfection. They’re built on the ability to adapt, to listen to customers deeply, and to stay consistent when things get tough. At SDC Startup School, one way we bring this to life is through case studies. We take time to study what worked and what didn’t, helping founders connect the dots and avoid common pitfalls as they build. Through real case studies, we re-educate founders and guide them, helping them build with clearer vision, stronger conviction, and the courage to make better decisions. We encourage founders to look at patterns worth breaking and to build not just for today, but for the future and for the challenges and opportunities yet to come. You don’t have to tick every box before you start. What matters most is taking that first step and being willing to learn and adjust along the way. So, how do you build a startup that lasts? You start. You stay focused. You keep showing up. And you choose to build with intention, not just excitement. At SDC Startup School, we guide you through this journey, helping you learn, unlearn, and build with clarity. 👉 Join the SDC Startup School here

SDC

Launchpad Cohorts

Oct 20, 2025

6 min read

SDC Launchpad Announces 2025 Batch 5 Cohort: Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Founders

Empowering Africa’s Next Generation of Founders 🚀

The SDC Launchpad has officially unveiled the founders and teams selected for its 2025 Batch 5 Cohort, marking the start of an 8-week intensive founder journey designed to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and structure they need to scale their ideas across Africa.

Running from October to December 2025, this year’s cohort brings together a dynamic mix of innovators building across fintech, sustainability, education, lifestyle, and technology. The program is backed by over $20,000 worth of perks from partners such as BrandDrive, Cloudplexo, SendPulse, and many more.

The program reflects SDC’s commitment to creating opportunities for African founders to learn, collaborate, and grow.

“Launchpad isn’t just about building startups; it’s about building founders. We want to empower creative minds to move from idea to execution, refine their products, understand their users, and grow sustainably. Africa doesn’t have a talent problem, it has an opportunity gap, and that’s exactly what we’re closing with Launchpad.”

— Cynthia E. Chisom, Principal Partner, SDC

Among the outstanding participants in this year’s cohort:

WasteVest (Olabode Afurewaju) — a sustainability-driven startup that rewards users for recycling and promotes environmental responsibility through technology.
Budgetify AI (Favour Okoh) — an AI-powered personal finance co-pilot designed to simplify budgeting, expense tracking, and investments.
Roomme — a housing and roommate matchmaking platform connecting young Africans to verified apartments and compatible co-living partners. Think Tinder meets Airbnb, but for long-term rentals.
KasuaBuy (Ayomide Ogunsanya, Samaila Audu, and Habila Samuel) — a digital marketplace redefining local commerce across Northern Nigeria, connecting buyers, sellers, and service providers in both English and Hausa.
Team Nova and Team Orbit — part of the Individual Track, where emerging founders are grouped into teams to co-create innovative, real-world startup concepts.

Throughout the program, participants will engage in masterclasses, advisory sessions, and interactive mentorship led by experienced founders and facilitators, including guest speakers such as Victor Daniyan (Nearpays), Tolu Gamp (Gamp), Cynthia Alabi (Uber), Benjamin Dada (Condia), Rita Idehai (Ecobarter), and Ndu Ekwomadu (BrandDrive).

They will also enjoy access to structured learning modules, weekly challenges, and a community spotlight designed to celebrate creativity, participation, and progress within the cohort.

The SDC Launchpad Batch 5 represents more than just another pre-incubator program — it’s a growing community of bold African founders ready to build, learn, and lead.

“We believe the future of Africa will be shaped by founders who are brave enough to start and resilient enough to keep building. SDC Launchpad exists to support and amplify those founders — one idea, one team, and one success story at a time.”

The program will conclude with a Showcase Day, where participants will pitch their refined ideas to judges, mentors, and partners.

SDC Launchpad Team

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about SDC and our programs

Still have questions? We are here to help!

Ready to move from idea to impact?

Whether you’re just starting or stuck mid-way, we help you find clarity and move with intention. Every founder deserves a place to start and something stronger to grow with.

Start With SDC

OUR AMAZING PARTNERS

TurningIndividualsTo Founders

Africas leading platform for primary startup education

Africa’s pipeline of future startup founders.

Program Expansion

Geographic Reach

Thought Leadership

Strategic Partnerships

SDC Startup School

SDC Launchpad

SDC Champions

SDC Startup Stories

Our Innovation Drives

Goal 1

Goal 2

Goal 3