Cascador deployed more than $5 million into 7 African startups at its second annual pitch day, as the growth-stage founder platform expands funding for companies with social impact.
The Africa-focused platform launched its Catalytic Fund last year as a $2 million annual initiative to support alumni companies. Since its founding in 2019, Cascador has supported more than 60 entrepreneurs who have raised more than $55 million in capital.
The largest recipient was Agriarche, which secured $1.7 million in debt funding. Koolboks raised $1.4 million in debt, while Powerstove received $1.2 million. First Electric secured $357,000, and Fortics received $142,000, both in debt funding.
Cascador also backed 2 companies with equity capital. Stears raised $450,000, while Indigenius AI secured $250,000.
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Founder Dave DeLucia said Cascador’s pitch day has now awarded more than $9 million to growth-stage African founders over 2 years. The platform is seeking its next group of founders for the 2026 ScaleUp programme.
Key Takeaways
Cascador’s latest pitch day shows how blended funding can support African startups that are beyond the idea stage but still need capital suited to their business models. Most of the funding went out as debt, which fits companies such as Agriarche, Koolboks, Powerstove and First Electric, where revenue, assets or inventory can support repayment. Equity went to Stears and Indigenius AI, where growth may depend more on product development, data, talent and market expansion. This mix matters because not every African startup should raise venture equity. Some need working capital, equipment finance or credit facilities to scale without giving up ownership. Cascador’s model also shows the value of founder support before capital. Its ScaleUp programme helps entrepreneurs refine positioning, funding strategy and execution before they pitch. For Africa’s startup market, this kind of structured capital is important because many impact businesses sit between grant funding and commercial investment. The test will be whether these companies can turn the funding into revenue growth, jobs and measurable social impact.