Westerwelle Foundation

It's official: Westerwelle Startup Haus Mombasa is opening later this year 🙌 Thank you to the Mombasa ecosystem for your drive and warm welcome, to all our Kenyan alumni for their support, and all our existing partners for your continuous commitment. We believe in the potential of young entrepreneurs to strengthen civil society and the economy by solving local challenges and creating jobs. Those entrepreneurs are the people we want to collaborate with and grow with. Our East African hubs in Rwanda, Tanzania, and now Kenya create a strong network of support across the region, enabling us to better facilitate connections and growth across countries. We're excited to make this happen. Kenya, see you soon! #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs

Excited to co-host the Global Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetup in Berlin with 4WARD! Join us on August 1st at Baret - Berlin Roof Top Bar as we connect Berlin's climate innovators with opportunities in African energy markets. #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs

What's the saying? Hear it straight from the horse's mouth? Well, in this case, hear it from the founders themselves. Derrick Sarfo, Maryanne Gichanga, and Nico Luciano share what the Young Founders Programme meant for them. Applications for #YFP24 Autumn are now open: https://bit.ly/yfp24 #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs 

We tried cricket nachos in June and loved them 😍 On a serious note: Did you know that about 20% of the Earth's total land is used for livestock farming? As the population grows, so does the need for more land to feed everyone. But with challenges come opportunities. Meet Francisca Castellanos, the founder of Crick Superfoods, a cricket-based food brand. Crick Superfoods nachos and protein powder are not only packed with essential nutrients — 9 amino acids, vitamin B12, iron, and calcium — but also require 70% less space than traditional protein sources. Francisca is also one of the founders who participated in the Young Founders Programme and visited us in Berlin back in June. Know someone who should be part of the next cohort and conference? Applications for #YFP24 Autumn are now open: https://bit.ly/yfp24 #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs #YFP24

Good times with our friends 🌍🌎🌏 This network feels more like a community of friends, which is why we created a group with that name for our members and alumni. “Friends of Westerwelle Foundation” is for easily staying in touch and involved: 🎈 Sharing ideas and co-creating new initiatives 🎈 Receiving first-hand info about our activities 🎈 Offering & asking for help, supporting each other every step of the way Our members can join via WhatsApp 💙 Westerwelle Startup Haus Tunis Westerwelle Startup Haus Kigali powered by Evonik Stiftung Westerwelle Startup Haus Arusha #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs

Here’s another look at the second ENBA workshop about cleantech technology transfer with Thomas Rieger, founder of Solarkiosk Solutions GmbH. And also a reminder of The Energy Network for Berlin & Africa (ENBA), which you might be able to be part of and benefit from ⚡️ Short recap: ENBA, our latest Berlin-based programme in partnership with Berlin Senate, facilitates expansion opportunities for Berlin green energy companies, providing you with the network you need for collaboration with the African market. How does it work practically? As an example, we’re organizing delegation trips to East Africa and Ghana to foster partnerships between Berlin-based businesses and key East African sales/distribution partners, investors, and other stakeholders. Sounds like something you’d be interested in? Register here: https://bit.ly/ENBAEA #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs

June was a whirlwind of networking for our Director of Programmes, Judith L.. Here are her insights from discussions with the ecosystem at GITEX AFRICA, Djerba Slush’D, and the Young Founders Conference. 1️⃣ There's a significant need for private capital in Africa. Existing funds and initiatives for early-stage startups are largely driven by public institutions, which present restrictions on the amount and terms. Private LPs and investors stand to drive strategic priorities and create more opportunities for ROI on the continent. 2️⃣ Entrepreneurs need smart capital. Due to the gaps in early-stage funding and support across certain sectors and geographies in Africa, the most successful investors provide both financing and guidance. These smart investors include: Digital Africa, Flat6Labs, Launch Africa Ventures and 216 Capital Ventures. 3️⃣ There's a clear need for entrepreneurship support organisations (ESOs). While the value-add of incubators and accelerators is being debated in more mature markets, this role is very clearly defined and recognized in African entrepreneurial ecosystems. Investors are actively partnering with ESOs like us to get access to relevant pipeline and provide promising talent to be nurtured through programmes. 4️⃣ Impact investing is on the rise! Sectors such as cleantech, agritech, and energy are becoming increasingly popular among early-stage investors. This corresponds to the rising appetite of investors for impact, alongside the market opportunities that infrastructure and essential services provide. #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs #GitexAfrica #SlushD #YFP24

Some questions are better answered personally — join our upcoming info session to learn all about #YFP24 Autumn 💭 Is the Young Founders Programme the right fit for you? How can it help elevate your business? How to stand out from other applicants? There are no wrong questions, tune in to ask yours. 🗓️ Tuesday, July 30, 2024 🕒 6:00 (UTC -6), 9:00 (UTC-3), 14:00 (UTC 1), 17:00 (UTC 5), 20:00 (UTC 8) 🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/yfp24info #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs

Congrats - 3 years with the Westerwelle Foundation 💙    It was the summer of 2021 when Judith L. and Ida Huiskonen joined the team around the same time, hired by the legendary Oliver R..    Since then, the growth of our activities has accelerated.    ✔️ From 3 programmes to 25 programmes with 1239 participants in the past 3 years, acquired and implemented by Judith and the team.    ✔️ From dispersed locations to a unified network of 500 entrepreneurs and 48,000 new followers on social media, led by Ida and the team.    It's been a team effort - all our locations and team members working month by month towards the same goals. As a result, we're operating on a completely different level than we were 3 years ago.    Thanks to both Ida and Judith for coordinating the activities in your departments and all the passion, effort, and long hours of work you've put in to make this possible.    Let's see where this team takes us next. #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs

What to expect from the YFP? What are the key dates? Here's a glimpse into the next Young Founders Programme timeline 🏄 #YFP24 Autumn cohort begins with Business Diagnostics sessions to clarify the state of your business, followed by 3 months focused on Revenue Growth & Team Expansion. In January, we shift our focus to Investment Readiness, preparing you for the big finale: Introductions to investors and the Graduation, where the top 10 participants will be selected to attend a fully funded conference in Berlin. Want to be part of a global community of entrepreneurs? Apply now: https://bit.ly/yfp24 #WesterwelleFoundation #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs #YFP24