Cascador has selected 10 Nigerian growth-stage companies for its 2026 ScaleUp Programme, following more than 1,000 applications from businesses across the country.
The 12-week programme, which kicked off this week, is designed to help established startups strengthen their operations, leadership and growth strategies while connecting them with investors and new sources of capital.
10 companies selected
The 2026 cohort features startups operating across a diverse range of sectors, including:
- Venco — PropTech
- SunFi — Clean energy
- ColdHubs — Cold-chain solutions
- EHA Clinics — Healthcare
- Beauty Hut Africa — Beauty
- BEYOND Fitness — Wellness
- Ziba Beach Resort — Tourism
- Tulay Africa — Minerals
- Maanj Agric — Agriculture
- Finger Chops — Food production
According to Cascador, 60% of the cohort is led by women, while founders were selected from five of Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions.
Access to funding and global expertise
Beyond training, participating founders will receive one-on-one support from investors and international experts, alongside leadership and strategy sessions.
The companies will also have access to potential follow-on funding through Cascador’s Catalytic Fund, which deploys up to $5 million annually in growth capital through local-currency debt, equity and guarantees in partnership with Sterling Bank.
The programme combines two weeks of in-person sessions with 10 weeks of virtual engagement. It will conclude with a Live Pitch Day, where participating founders will compete for a share of $50,000 in prizes.
For Cascador, the latest cohort reflects the growing strength of Nigeria’s real economy, with companies already creating jobs, serving customers and expanding across critical sectors.
For the selected founders, the programme offers more than funding, it provides access to expertise, networks and the strategic support needed to move from growth stage to the next level.
