Tunisia is implementing a brave new initiative to enhance its entrepreneurial potential. 216 Capital, a prominent Tunisian venture capital firm, has formed a partnership with Silicon Valley’s Plug and Play to establish the “216 Capital Venture Accelerator.”
- Tunisia is implementing a brave new initiative to enhance its entrepreneurial potential.
- 216 Capital, a prominent Tunisian venture capital firm, has formed a partnership with Silicon Valley’s Plug and Play to establish...
- But it’s not just about cash.
- This concert of capital and guidance aims to prepare startups for scaling into regional and global markets.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Entrepreneurship — everything you need to know is covered below.
This six-month program will stimulate local startup growth and offer mentorship, funding, and global exposure.
Funding and mentorship catalyst for Tunisian startups
The accelerator will select up to 20 promising Tunisian startups and grant each €50,000 (around $58,000) seed funding to kickstart growth. But it’s not just about cash. Founders gain personalised coaching from international venture capitalists and mentors, designed to sharpen their business models and get them investment-ready.
Dhekra Khelifi, Partner at 216 Capital, emphasises, “By joining forces with Plug and Play, we are giving local founders the tools to structure their businesses, raise capital, and access international markets”.
Successful startups in the program may qualify for follow-on funding through 216 Capital and Plug and Play Africa Ventures, creating a clear pathway for sustained financing.
This concert of capital and guidance aims to prepare startups for scaling into regional and global markets.
Plug and play partnership opens global doors
Plug and Play brings a vast international network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners. Tunisian startups in the accelerator will plug directly into this ecosystem, increasing their chances of breaking into foreign markets.
Yves Cabanac, Managing Director at Plug and Play, noted that Tunisia “has already proven its ability to produce globally relevant innovations,” and this program will “align high-potential startups with international standards and channel new investment flows into the country”.
The accelerator aligns with Tunisia’s national agenda to become a recognised hub for innovation in Africa and the broader MENA region. Support from Smart Capital and the sovereign ANAVA fund of funds underscores the commitment to pushing local startups beyond borders.
Tunisia’s growing startup ecosystem now has a significant boost through this accelerator, accelerating access to capital, expertise, and international markets, turning local ideas into competitive global ventures