France’s Bpifrance launches challenge to support startups looking to expand to Europe

French business accelerator Bpifrance has launched a challenge for African startups that plan to expand to Europe, and especially France.

The challenge is aimed at startups based in Africa that either have small ongoing operations in France or Europe, or are already preparing to enter Europe having secured for example a partnerships agreement or letters of intent from customers.

Furthermore, Bpifrance is looking to support startups that are seeking to raise between €1-million and €3-million to finance that expansion.

Applications close on 30 September.

Bpifrance has launched a challenge for African startups that plan to expand to Europe, and especially France

Bpifrance will help connect three finalists of the challenge with investors in France, Europe and Africa through warm introductions.

The organisation will also offer finalists the opportunity to take part in e-pitches to be exposed to investors and speakers at Bpifrance Inno Generation on 1 October in Paris (for the latter, Bpifrance will not cover flights and accommodations).

The challenge winner will win flights or accommodations to attend Viva Tech in Paris in 2021, dependant on the situation with Covid-19. The winner would then be able to pitch on stage at Viva Tech, as part of tech initiative AfricArena‘s cohort.

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