Cascador Launches $2M Fund to Back Nigerian Entrepreneurs
TLDR
- Cascador has launched the Catalytic Fund, a $2 million annual initiative to provide targeted capital to its alumni network
- The fund seeks to close the persistent funding gap for growth-stage businesses in Nigeria that are viable
- Since its founding in 2019, Cascador has supported over 60 entrepreneurs who have collectively raised more than $55 million in funding
Cascador, a Nigerian accelerator for mid-stage entrepreneurs, has launched the Catalytic Fund, a $2 million annual initiative to provide targeted capital to its alumni network. The fund seeks to close the persistent funding gap for growth-stage businesses in Nigeria that are viable but often overlooked by traditional investors.
Since its founding in 2019, Cascador has supported over 60 entrepreneurs who have collectively raised more than $55 million in funding. The new fund will focus on companies creating jobs, delivering social impact, and serving underserved communities.
Applications opened on February 14, with a Pitch Day set for May 14, 2025. Finalists will be evaluated by an investment committee on business viability, impact, and financial health. Sterling Bank will provide blended financing under flexible repayment structures tailored to cash flows, while NSIA and the Development Bank of Nigeria will sponsor innovation prizes worth $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.
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Key Takeaways
The Catalytic Fund marks a shift in early-stage capital deployment in Nigeria, prioritizing long-term impact over short-term profit. By offering flexible, non-extractive financing and leveraging local banking partners, Cascador is building a sustainable pipeline of investable companies with measurable social returns. The fund's structure—blending grants, loans, and catalytic capital—could become a blueprint for supporting mid-stage entrepreneurs in emerging markets who are too advanced for seed-stage grants but still too early for commercial investors.
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