2024 Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition for Nigerians

The Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition is a key highlight of the Zenith Bank Tech Fair, with the 2024 conference focusing on Embedded Finance, Cybersecurity & Growth Imperatives – The Impact of AI. This initiative is designed to discover and accelerate the growth of innovative Nigerian startups across sectors such as Fintech, AgriTech, HealthTech, E-commerce, and more.

Through a competitive pitch platform and an incubation phase, early-stage startups will gain valuable exposure, expert guidance, and essential resources to scale and make a lasting impact on Nigeria’s digital economy. Zenith Bank is committed to empowering and nurturing Nigerian tech startups, offering innovative solutions, mentorship, and opportunities to drive transformative change across Africa’s business landscape.

Program Structure

• Phase 1: Startup Pitch Competition

Showcase your startup’s innovation and compete for cash prizes

• Phase 2: Incubation Program

Top 10 finalists move into an intensive incubation program to refine their business models and strategies for scalable growth over six weeks, beginning shortly after the pitch competition.

• Table of Content
• About Zenith Bank
• Startup Pitch Competition
• Aim and Benefits of Startup Pitch Competition
• Requirements for Startup Pitch Competition Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Startup Pitch Competition
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Zenith Bank

Zenith Bank Plc was established in May 1990, and commenced operations in July of the same year as a commercial bank. The Bank became a public limited company on June 17, 2004 and was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on October 21, 2004 following a highly successful Initial Public Offering (IPO). Zenith Bank Plc currently has a shareholder base of more than half a million and is Nigeria’s biggest bank by tier-1 capital. In 2013, the Bank listed $850 million worth of its shares at $6.80 each on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).... continue reading

Startup Pitch Competition

Aim and Benefits of Startup Pitch Competition

Prizes

• 1st Place: ?25 million
• 2nd Place: ?20 million
• 3rd Place: ?15 million
• Other Finalists: ?2.5 million each

Program Benefits

• Cash Prizes: Top three startups receive ?25 million, ?20 million, and ?15 million respectively; all other finalists receive ?2.5 million.
• Investor Access and Mentorship: Connect with investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and experts, opening doors for follow-on funding and strategic partnerships.
• Strategic Resources: Intensive training in financial management, product development, branding, and market positioning for business growth.
• Networking and Exposure: Engage with corporate leaders and potential partners through exclusive events and pitch sessions.
• Growth Opportunities: Collaborate with industry leaders for technical support, co-development, and market entry support to drive scalability.

Requirements for Startup Pitch Competition Qualification

To be eligible for the Zenith Bank Startup Pitch Competition & Incubation Program, applicants must:

• Be early-stage Nigerian startups with a registered business entity
• Operate in one or more of the listed focus sectors
• Demonstrate a viable product or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with initial market traction
• Present a scalable business model with clear growth potential

Interview date, Process and Venue for Startup Pitch Competition

Program Timeline

• Application: 8th – 15th November, 2024
• Announcement of Finalists: 18th November, 2024
• Pitch Competition: 21st November, 2024
• Incubation Program: Dec. 2024 – Feb. 2025

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit Zenith Bank competition website