The Challenge
African startups face multiple challenges in their growth journey, including limited access to funding, inadequate preparation for investor engagement, and insufficient support structures for early-stage companies.
At TC Insights, we recognise that a comprehensive database of investable early-stage startups can help connect these startups with potential investors. The ecosystem also requires more effort in supporting early-stage tech startups leveraging emerging technologies like AI and crypto, who often struggle to navigate Africa’s complex business environment.
Our Approach
TC Insights relaunched TC Battlefield, an annual pitch competition organized by TechCabal to identify, showcase, and support Africa’s most promising early-stage startups. The 2024 edition provided founders with essential tools, mentorship, and exposure during Moonshot by TechCabal—one of Africa’s premier technology conferences uniting investors, operators, and industry stakeholders.
What we delivered
1. Pre-Accelerator Program
We designed and implemented a comprehensive 6-week initiative split into phases. We then created a structured curriculum covering critical areas such as:
- Fundraising and pitch preparation
- Growth and brand storytelling
- Talent management and leadership
- Product-market fit strategies
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Mock pitch sessions with expert feedback
The program was designed to equip shortlisted startups with critical business knowledge and operational strategies before they pitched on the main stage.
2. Expert-Led Training
Our distinguished panel of facilitators included experts from various fields of entrepreneurship, such as industry leaders from 54 Collective, executives from Big Cabal Media, experienced legal professionals, and several African investors.
3. Investor Engagement and Deal Room Sessions
TC Battlefield had structured deal rooms during the Moonshot Conference. This platform enabled direct engagement between startups and investors, facilitating potential funding and strategic partnerships.
4. Competitive Pitching and Recognition
We hosted a high-impact live pitch event, during which finalists presented their ventures to a panel of judges comprising top investors and industry leaders. This provided unparalleled visibility to participating startups.
We also introduced the Crypto Pitch Competition, a specialised track designed to recognise and support promising blockchain and cryptocurrency startups.
5. Continuous Support
While the series is still nascent, we are building a resource library containing training recordings and materials. We will also implement post-program support mechanisms, including creating a tracking system for alumni progress.
The Outcome
TC Battlefield successfully created a comprehensive launchpad for African startups with several key achievements:
1. Program Growth and Impact
- Attracted 287 applications for the 2024 edition
- Successfully shortlisted and trained 20 high-potential startups in the pre-accelerator program.
- Established substantial prize pools, broken down thus:
- Main Competition: $10,000 (Winner), $5,000 (1st runner-up), $2,500 (2nd runner-up)
- Crypto Innovation Category: $6,000 (Winner), $3,000 (1st runner-up), $1,000 (2nd runner-up)
- Facilitated five deal room sessions between startups and investors
2. Success Stories
The 2023 edition demonstrated the program’s impact through notable success stories:
TruQ (2023 Winner):
- Emerged victorious from a competitive field of 10 finalists
- Secured ₦2.5 million in prize money
- Received funding from Google Black Founders Fund
- Participated in prestigious accelerators, including Techstars 2022 and V8 Growth Labs
- Secured additional seed funding post-competition
Jamit (2023 Runner-up):
- Secured ₦1.5 million in prize money
- Hosts over 170 creators on its platform
- Has established strategic partnerships with global giants Dolby and Sony
- Expanded from podcast production to a full-fledged podcast platform
Program Impact & Future Outlook
TC Battlefield promotes African startup growth through hands-on training, investor connections, and comprehensive support—creating lasting ecosystem impact.
Our track record speaks for itself: alumni success stories like TruQ and Jamit showcase our ability to identify and nurture exceptional talent. With applications on the rise year after year, TC Battlefield will become the lodestar for builders in African tech.
Join us in shaping the future of African entrepreneurship by applying to TC Battlefield 2025 via this link: https://bit.ly/tcbattlefield25
