In a startup ecosystem where women-led businesses receive less than 2% of venture capital funding in Africa, Opolo Global Innovation has announced the launch of SheScales Africa program to bridge the gap by equipping tech-enabled female founders with the tools, knowledge, networks, and investor access they need to raise capital successfully.
The 6-week investment readiness program is laser-focused on preparing high-potential women founders to become truly fundable. Through expert-led masterclasses, hands-on pitch deck and financial model support, and targeted founder positioning, SheScales goes beyond generic acceleration to deliver tangible fundraising outcomes.
The program culminates in an exclusive Demo Day, where the female founders will pitch directly to a curated network of vetted venture capitalists and angel investors who are actively deploying capital — creating a clear pathway for participants to secure funding and close investment deals.
Why SheScales Africa matters now
Despite the growth of Africa’s startup ecosystem, female founders remain significantly underfunded. Industry data consistently shows that less than 2% of total VC funding flows to women-led businesses on the continent — a disparity driven not only by structural biases but also by gaps in investor readiness.
“SheScales Africa is not about checking a diversity box, it’s about building a pipeline of investor-ready women founders who can compete and win in Africa’s VC market,” said Isioma Udeozo, CEO at Opolo Global Innovation. “We’re giving them direct access to the knowledge, expertise, tools, and investors they need to close funding rounds.”
Program highlights:
- Weekly Masterclasses led by top African investors and founders.
- Pitch Deck & Financial Model Refinement with hands-on expert support.
- Mid-week Office Hours for targeted coaching.
- Demo Day with vetted VCs & strategic partners, offering up to $100k in potential investment for top founders.
Meet the SheScales Africa Faculty:
- Yvonne Johnson – Founder & CEO, Indicina (raised $3M+ in VC)
- Mope Abudu – Managing Partner, AfriGloCal (early-stage VC investor)
- Praise Mbanali – Management Consultant
- Cynthia E. Chisom – Principal Partner, SDC Startup School (trained 2,000+ founders)
- Mary Aina – Associate Vice President, Property and Casualty Technology at Cooperators Group Limited, Canada
- Ajo Balogun – Co-Founder, Jobred
Who can apply
SheScales Africa is open to tech-enabled, women-led startups across Africa that:
- Have a viable business model with traction.
- Are seeking to raise capital in the next 6–12 months.
- Are committed to participating in all program sessions and activities.
Applications are open now at https://shescales.opolo.global. The deadline for submissions is 19th August 2025.
About Opolo Global Innovation
Opolo Global Innovation is an innovation and entrepreneurship platform dedicated to building and scaling high-potential ventures across Africa and driving corporate innovation. Through venture-building programs, investment readiness initiatives, and corporate innovation partnerships, Opolo Global works with both startups and established companies to design solutions, develop new growth opportunities, and strengthen innovation capacity.
