How Do You Build a Startup That Lasts?

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.

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.