
Convirtiendo
Individuos
En Fundadores
Estamos dedicados exclusivamente a la educación primaria de startups: la etapa fundamental donde se conciben, exploran y validan nuevas ideas. Nuestra misión es empoderar a los fundadores aspirantes y primerizos en el inicio de su recorrido, proporcionando el conocimiento esencial, la red de contactos y el apoyo necesarios para superar los desafíos de construir startups innovadoras en el continente y más allá.


La plataforma líder en África para la educación primaria de startups
SDC es el punto de partida esencial para la próxima generación de fundadores de África. Al convertir individuos en fundadores, construimos una sólida cartera de startups innovadoras, impulsamos el progreso económico y fortalecemos los ecosistemas emprendedores en África y otros mercados emergentes. Nuestro compromiso con una educación práctica, accesible y de alto impacto garantiza que cada fundador tenga el excelente comienzo que merece.
La cantera de futuros fundadores de startups de África.
SDC es el punto de partida esencial para la próxima generación de fundadores de África. Nuestro enfoque centrado en el fundador, metodologías probadas y sólida red de contactos nos convierten en la plataforma de referencia para quienes desean construir y hacer crecer startups de impacto. Al centrarnos en la educación primaria de startups, sentamos las bases para la innovación sostenible y el éxito a largo plazo, dando a cada fundador el excelente comienzo que merece.
Expansión de Programas
Desarrollando nuevos enfoques y modelos en la educación primaria de startups para atender las necesidades cambiantes de los fundadores y las tendencias del mercado.
Alcance Geográfico
Profundizando nuestra presencia e impacto en más regiones de África y otras economías emergentes.
Liderazgo de Opinión
Fortaleciendo nuestra posición como voz líder en la educación primaria de startups y el desarrollo del ecosistema emprendedor en todo el continente.
Alianzas Estratégicas
Forjando continuamente nuevas alianzas con organizaciones que comparten nuestra visión de empoderar a los fundadores africanos.
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.
Leer másSDC 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.
Leer másSDC 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.
Leer másSDC 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.
Nuestros Drives de Innovación
El impacto de SDC se canaliza a través de un conjunto de programas estratégicamente diseñados, cada uno orientado a una etapa distinta del recorrido emprendedor
Construir con Claridad
Objetivo - Equipar a los fundadores africanos aspirantes y primerizos con el conocimiento fundacional, las habilidades prácticas y el apoyo necesario para lanzar y hacer crecer startups exitosas
Meta 1
Guiar a los fundadores a través de la validación de ideas, ejecución del modelo de negocio y narrativa de inversión
Meta 2
Fomentar un enfoque práctico para el desarrollo de startups, asegurando que los fundadores puedan construir empresas viables desde cero
Meta 3
Conectar a los fundadores con mentoría relevante, recursos y una comunidad de apoyo
La Capacidad de SDC paracolaborar efectivamentecon organizaciones diversas
El historial de éxito de SDC se basa en asociaciones sólidas y colaborativas con organizaciones líderes.
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.
Saber MásBitnob
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.
Saber MásFUTURIZE 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.
Saber MásAngels 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.
Saber MásFounders 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.
Saber MásObjetivo - Ser el socio líder de implementación y asesoramiento para organizaciones comprometidas con el avance de la educación en startups en África y más allá.
Excelencia Programática
Diseñar y entregar programas escalables y de alto impacto adaptados a los objetivos estratégicos de los socios.
Pipeline Sólido
Conectar a los socios con un grupo diverso y de alto potencial de fundadores en etapa temprana.
Responsabilidad de Impacto
Mantener la excelencia operativa y proporcionar informes transparentes basados en datos que demuestren claramente
Integración de Soluciones
Integrar las herramientas, plataformas y soluciones de los socios en el viaje temprano de la startup.
Lo que dicen Nuestros Socios y Fundadores
No podemos hacerlo solos. Contamos con una red dedicada de socios apasionados por apoyar el crecimiento de los fundadores.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
Lo Último de Nuestro Blog
Manténgase actualizado con las últimas perspectivas, tendencias y consejos prácticos para los emprendedores africanos
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.


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

How Do You Build a Startup That Lasts?
Preguntas frecuentes
Encuentra respuestas a preguntas comunes sobre SDC y nuestros programas.
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Ya sea que esté comenzando o se encuentre bloqueado a mitad del camino, le ayudamos a encontrar claridad y avanzar con intención. Todo fundador merece un lugar para empezar y algo más sólido con lo que crecer.


