iDICE Opens Applications for Growth Lab to Support High-potential Nigerian Startups

Nigeria's Federal Government initiative, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, is launching its Growth Lab under the iDICE Startup Bridge. This 12-week acceleration program seeks to identify and support 12 tech-enabled startups from across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

The program offers intensive growth support, crucial investment readiness training, and access to significant funding. Organizers stated that the Growth Lab represents the next phase in the iDICE Startup Bridge's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent. It is specifically designed for startups that have already developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and require structured assistance to scale their operations.

“

Growth Lab is the Startup Bridge accelerator programme, designed for startups that have developed an MVP and require structured support to scale. The programme focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals and preparing companies for external investment.

According to Ife Adebayo, the National Coordinator of the Programme, selected founders will benefit from structured growth support and preparation for external investment. They will also gain access to industry experts, explore market expansion opportunities, and receive an initial $100,000 cash investment in exchange for 7.5% equity. Furthermore, startups meeting specific growth conditions may be eligible for up to an additional $250,000 in follow-on investment.

“

Selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5% equity upon entering the programme (terms and conditions apply), and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment should certain growth conditions be met.