Are you an African founder planning to raise money in the next 6 to 12 months? The DiaGlocal Collective (DGC) Investment Readiness Programme helps you get your startup ready for investors. Over 12 weeks online, you build a verified Digital Data Room, sharpen your pitch and, if you are ready, present to DGC’s investor network at Demo Day. Applications for the Q1 2027 cohort close on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Important: this is not a grant, and it is not free for every founder. Participation is either paid for by a sponsor (such as an investor, angel network or accelerator) or paid by the founder. DGC does not publish the fee on its website, so ask before you commit.
About the DGC Investment Readiness Programme
DiaGlocal Collective works with founders of African descent, both in Africa and in the diaspora. Its programme follows the POEM framework: eight modules that cover the questions investors ask, in the order they ask them. Every piece of work goes into your Digital Data Room, a single organised place for your company documents and evidence.
What You Will Cover in 12 Weeks
- Week 1: Cap table, ownership and Data Room setup
- Week 2: Founder story, vision and direction
- Week 3: Customer problem, market need and value proposition
- Week 4: Product, MVP, adoption and go-to-market
- Week 5: Team, organisation and execution
- Week 6: Revenue model, pricing and startup economics
- Week 7: Milestones, metrics, traction and risk
- Week 8: Investment readiness, pitch and the ask
- Weeks 9–12: Data Room reviews, pitch practice and feedback
- Week 12: Demo Day
Benefits of the DGC Programme
- A weekly live masterclass with Q&A
- A 30-minute one-to-one check-in every week with your account manager
- Three free 30-minute sessions with advisors matched to your sector
- AI tools trained on the POEM framework to help draft documents and check your financials
- A private founder community with templates and session recordings
- A verified Digital Data Room you can share with investors
- A chance to pitch at Demo Day if you meet the readiness bar
- Investor introductions and follow-up support if an investor shows interest
DGC is clear that it does not guarantee funding. Investment decisions are made by investors.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
- Founders of African descent, based in Africa or the diaspora
- Startups at the idea to pre-seed stage, with early validation, a product, first customers or some traction
- Founders who plan to raise capital within 6 to 12 months
- Founders who can give a few hours a week, plus a weekly 30-minute check-in
Later-stage founders may also apply, and DGC will assess their fit case by case.
Cost and Sponsorship
There are four ways to join:
- Apply directly to the cohort (self-funded)
- Sponsored by a partner network you are already talking to, such as an angel network or accelerator
- Sponsored by your own network
- Request a referral to a DGC partner for sponsorship, subject to fit and availability
DGC’s partner page explains that sponsors can cover a full cohort, share costs for groups of ten or more, or refer founders who fund their own participation. Email [email protected] to ask about the fee before you apply.
Key Dates
- October 19, 2026: Application deadline
- October 26, 2026: Programme starts
- February 10, 2027: Demo Day
How to Apply for the DGC Investment Readiness Programme
- Read the details on the official DGC founders page.
- Ask DGC about the fee and sponsorship options if cost is a concern.
- Fill in the Q1 2027 application form. It takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Give accurate details about your stage, traction and business model.
- If you have or need a sponsor, use the sponsorship route on the founders page instead.
Tips Before You Apply
- Confirm the full cost in writing before paying anything.
- Only apply if you plan to raise money soon. The programme is built for that goal.
- Gather basic documents now, such as your company registration, cap table and any revenue data.
- Be honest about your traction. DGC reviews applications on stage and readiness.
Key Details at a Glance
- Organiser: DiaGlocal Collective (DGC)
- Who: Founders of African descent (Africa and diaspora)
- Stage: Idea to pre-seed
- Format: Online, 12 weeks
- Cost: Sponsored or self-funded (fee not published)
- Funding: No grant; investor introductions only
- Deadline: October 19, 2026
