SDC as a Strategic Partner
Beyond direct founder empowerment, SDC is uniquely positioned as a premier implementation and consulting partner for organizations aiming to deliver impactful programs within the primary startup education sector and beyond. Our expertise guarantees that every initiative, whether a large-scale pitch competition or an intensive pre-incubator or an accelerator programme is rooted in practical learning and tailored to the unique realities of emerging markets.
To deliver on our mission and objectives, SDC leverages a robust set of resources and capabilities
Expert Team & Leadership
A dedicated team of experienced professionals in entrepreneurship education, program management, and community development, led by visionary leadership.
Proprietary Learning Platform
The SDC Startup School platform serves as a scalable digital infrastructure for application management, online learning delivery, and participant tracking, capable of handling large volumes of users.
Extensive Network
A wide-reaching network across multiple universities in Africa and beyond, a strong alumni base, and connections with key stakeholders in the African startup ecosystem.
Proven Methodologies
Established and refined methodologies for curriculum development, program execution, and founder advisory, ensuring consistent quality and effectiveness.
Data & Analytics
Capabilities for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on program data to demonstrate impact and inform continuous improvement.
7%
Startup School
Over 3,000 unique participants annually, with a 70% completion rate and 60% launching a business within 6 months post-program.
5%
4Launchpad
cohorts annually, accelerating 100 teams per year, with 80% achieving measurable traction and 40% raising pre-seed funding.
100+
Startup School
Over 3,000 unique participants annually, with a 70% completion rate and 60% launching a business within 6 months post-program.
1000+
Startup School
Over 3,000 unique participants annually, with a 70% completion rate and 60% launching a business within 6 months post-program.
Impact & Reach
SDC’s impact is channeled through a suite of strategically designed programs, each targeting a distinct stage of the entrepreneurial journey
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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
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.
Learn MoreFUTURIZE 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.
Learn MoreAngels 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.
Learn MoreFounders 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.
Learn MoreObjective - 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.
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
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.
Strategic Partnerships
Continuously forging new alliances with organizations that share our vision for empowering African founders.
Thought Leadership
Enhancing our position as a leading voice in primary startup education and ecosystem development across the continent.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
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
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.
Join As A Partner
Beyond direct founder empowerment, SDC is uniquely positioned as a premier implementation and consulting partner for organizations aiming to deliver impactful programs within the primary startup education sector and beyond.
We look forward to exploring impactful opportunities together!
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions For Partners
Get answers to the most common questions about SDC Partnerships
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