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.
Who This Program Is For
Early-Stage Startup Teams
SDC Startup School Graduates
Individuals with Fresh Ideas
Unvalidated Concepts
Explorers and Curious Minds
Key Activities & Curriculum Components
The SDC Launchpad curriculum is highly practical and mentorship-driven, focusing on actionable outcomes.
Deep Dive into Business Models
Advanced refinement of value propositions, customer segments, revenue models, and cost structures.
Traction
Strategies for acquiring early users/customers, measuring engagement, and iterative product development
Financial Modeling & Projections
Building realistic financial forecasts, understanding unit economics, and managing early-stage startup finances.
Team Building & Management
Dynamics of co-founder relationships, hiring early talent, and fostering a strong team culture.
Legal & Governance for Early Startups
Structuring the company, equity allocation, and basic legal considerations.
Investment Readiness & Pitch Deck Development
Crafting compelling pitch decks, understanding investor expectations, and preparing for initial fundraising conversations.
Mentorship Sessions
One-on-one and group mentorship from experienced founders, industry experts, and investors.
Startup School Resources
This is a requirement for every individual joining a team that will build a startup from scratch. The tools and frameworks made available will make the startup-building process easy to accomplish.
Showcase Day Preparation
Intensive pitch coaching leading up to a global audience at the Showcase Day
Benefits for SDC Launchpad Founders!
Our valued partners have generously provided a range of benefits to empower our founders, helping you accelerate your growth and success. Take advantage of these exclusive offerings when you become a launcher with SDC.
AWS Credits
Leverage the power of Amazon Web Services to build, scale, and innovate with ease.
Free Access to Webflow
Design and launch stunning websites without limitations, compliments of Webflow.
Bubble Credit
Create powerful, customizable apps without code using Bubble's intuitive platform
Email, CRM, and Marketing Credit from SendPulse
Supercharge your marketing efforts and engage with your audience effectively.
Premium Access to Customer.io
Personalize your customer interactions and drive meaningful engagement with Customer.io's advanced tools.
Free Access to BrandDrive's Financial Management tool
Streamline your finances and gain valuable insights into your business operations.
How to be a Launcher 🚀?
SDC LaunchPad is a highly competitive and takes only 3 cohorts (January, May, and September) in a year, with a maximum of 15 aspiring and first-time founders. The application portal is open all year round, and we will be on the lookout for individuals/startups who will get to be a part of any of the cohorts.
1. Register
Fill out our user-friendly Online Application Form. Provide the necessary details that will fuel the selection process for admission, ensuring your unique qualities shine through.
2. Gain Admission
Keep an eye on your inbox – an acceptance email means you have secured your spot in the programme! Your journey officially begins in that moment of excitement.
3. Pay Fees & Resume
Once accepted, finalize your commitment by paying the required fees, and get ready to dive into a dynamic learning experience. Limited scholarships are available.
Program Fees
Whether you are new to the startup world or starting or have an early-stage startup.
Individual Track
Join as a startup and receive support tailored to your startup needs. Get prepared to pitch to ready investors. Up to 3 founding team members will be automatically accepted into the programme.
$30/₦30,000Apply Now
Startup Track
Join as a startup and receive support tailored to your startup needs. Get prepared to pitch to ready investors. Up to 3 founding team members will be automatically accepted into the programme.
$50/₦50,000Apply Now
Join The Next Cohort
SDC Launchpad takes only 3 cohorts (January, May, and September) in a year, with a maximum of 15 aspiring and first-time founders.
Meet the the Venture Partners
SDCs team comprises seasoned entrepreneurs, curriculum developers, venture builders, and ecosystem experts with deep knowledge of the African startup landscape. Supported by a Pan-African advisory network of over 50 mentors, operators, and investors, SDC ensures every program is both theoretically sound and practically relevant.
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Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do and shape our commitment to transforming Africa's entrepreneurial landscape.
Innovation
We foster creative thinking and cutting-edge solutions to transform ideas into impactful startups.
Community
Building a supportive ecosystem where founders, partners, and mentors collaborate for mutual success.
Impact
Creating meaningful change in Africa's entrepreneurial landscape through education and mentorship.
Excellence
Maintaining the highest standards in startup education and founder development programs.
Ready to be part of our mission?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who have transformed their ideas into thriving businesses with SDC Startup School.
What Other Students are saying about 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.
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.
Watch SHOWCASE DAY Batches
After an intensive 8-week startup support program, the founders participating in the SDC Launchpad have the opportunity to showcase their work to a panel of judges and a global audience.
Your $10,000+
awaits you
Some of our partners are giving $10,000 worth of marketing credit, AWS credit, 4 month free access to tools and much more that can aid your Startup Journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about SDC programs
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