develoPPP VenturesCatalytic funding for innovative start-ups with development impact

With develoPPP Ventures funding, the BMZ is supporting young companies that are already active in a developing or emerging economy and whose business model contributes to sustainable local economic, ecological and social development. The aim is to scale innovative solutions in order to make them accessible to more people. Therefore, it is important that the proof of concept has already been achieved and first revenues have been generated. Funding the start-up phase via develoPPP Ventures is not possible.

The BMZ supports the scaling of suitable business models with non-dilutive capital of 100,000 euros if your company manages to acquire matching funds from other sources of at least the same amount. In addition, your start-up will receive local technical support. Women-led start-ups and start-ups promoting gender equality are especially encouraged to apply.

develoPPP Ventures is currently available in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Tanzania – with further countries to follow (see: develoPPP Ventures country list).

Funding decisions on specific investment projects are made via a regular develoPPP Ventures call for applications. Start-ups that are registered in the target country or that plan to register there before the start of the funding are eligible to participate. Funding is provided exclusively for business expansion in the respective country and must be invested locally. A prerequisite for funding is that the start-up phase has already been completed and initial revenues have been generated. In addition, your company must:

• be privately owned and profit-oriented
• have a viable business and financial plan
• be able to provide at least one annual financial statement
• convince other financiers of its business model (matching funds)
• not have acquired more than a maximum of €2 million in funding to date
• have high growth potential and reach break-even within a maximum of three years