We’re focused on catalyzing and supporting ventures that align with the following sub-sectors:
Clean Energy Access and Productive Use Innovations
Innovations that expand clean energy access and enable productive use –– including innovations that scale off-grid energy solutions, grid reliability and affordability, and mini-grid models.
Urban
Innovations
Africa's rapidly urbanizing cities are creating urgent demand for smarter, more resilient infrastructure. We are looking for solutions to the challenges of urban growth - reducing emissions, expanding access to essential services, and creating livelihoods for underserved communities.
E-Mobility Innovations
To decarbonize transport systems, enhance accessibility, and address the unique mobility challenges. We are interested in ventures developing electric vehicles, battery-swapping solutions, electric charging and innovation financing solutions to unlock mobility.
Data & AI to Advance Climate
Embedded finance models are making solar, e-mobility, and climate-resilient agriculture accessible to millions of low-income households — with data and AI accelerating the impact. From PAYGo financing to parametric insurance to carbon credit infrastructure, climate fintech founders are building financial rails with real cash flows and growing investor appetite.
There are two ways to work with us.
Founder Residency
You have a venture at idea to early-revenue stage. You need capital, operational expertise, and a network of investors and operators who've built on the continent. Our residencies give you all three - in a hands-on program built around your venture, not a generic curriculum.
Build with Delta40
You have deep domain expertise and a problem worth solving, but you're still shaping the venture. We co-build companies from the ground up - bringing ideas, capital, and a team of experienced operators who've done it before in Africa.
Designed with valuable insights from founders, investors, and successful programs, our goal is to turn climate innovations into commercial businesses, empower exceptional founders, and bridge critical gaps in technology, capital, support, and expertise.
In line with Delta40s’ mission, we aim for 50% or more of participants in our residencies will be women.
The Delta40 Difference
This isn’t just another accelerator. We don’t just invest in ventures; we build alongside our founders, leveraging a team of seasoned entrepreneurs and operators who have built companies on the continent.
Fractional C-Suite, Embedded in Your Venture
A shared CFO, commercial lead, and talent expert who work inside your business on a recurring basis, not external consultants parachuting in for a workshop.
Access to Capital
Grants, studio investment ($25K–$250K), and warm introductions to our network of 60+ active co-investors across Africa and globally.
Access to a Curated Ecosystem
Delta40’s highly curated events bring together founders, operators, academics, investors, and funders designed to spark meaningful relationships, unlock synergies, and create tangible opportunities for growth and scale.
Strong Community of Technical Founders
Across Africa that will share insights, pilot technologies, co-develop solutions, and provide peer support to tackle industry-specific challenges including regulatory hurdles, technology adoption and new market entry.
Scale Summits
where ventures will have an opportunity to pitch to a curated group of leading entrepreneurs, investors, corporates and other key ecosystem leaders for the purpose of catalyzing innovation and investment in key sectors in Africa.
Is Delta40 the right fit for you?
We're selective by design. We take on a small number of founders each year so we can show up as a true partner and go deep. Here's how to know if that's you:
You're a strong fit if:
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You're an African founder with deep domain expertise in your sector
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Your venture or idea is in clean energy, urban mobility, e-mobility, climate fintech, or data & AI for climate
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You have an MVP in market, or a problem thesis backed by years of real domain experience
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You're coachable - you want a true operating partner, not just capital or a certificate
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You're building for scale: a path to 1 million+ lives impacted is part of your vision
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You're ready to commit - full-time or close to it
How We Show Up For You
We don't just advise from the sidelines, here's what building with Delta40 actually looks like.
01
Masterclasses and Workshops sprints by Entrepreneurs and Operators
Targeted sessions on fundraising, board construction, AI adoption, carbon markets, and more - built around what you actually need. These sessions are led by experienced entrepreneurs & operators directly aligned with each venture's growth trajectory and challenges.
02
Access to Capital
Opportunities to pitch for feasibility study grants, studio investments ($25K–$250K), and additional co-investor funding.
03
Strategy Sessions
Regular one-on-one time with Delta40 CXOs, advisors, and sector experts who've built on the continent. Bring your hardest problems, that's what these sessions are for.
04
Community
You join a network of founders, operators, and investors who are building the same future you are. We host curated events in Nairobi and Lagos and make sure the right people are in the room.
05
Exit for Impacts
Strategy
Exit planning from Day 1. At Delta40, we’re reimagining how we plan for and facilitate exits through an ecosystem approach. We also support founders on long-term exit strategies through our in-house developed workshops and planning tools.
What founders say about
our working with Delta40
"The support during the Basecamp was outstanding, particularly the 1:1 pitch practice sessions and the forums. These personalized interactions provided invaluable, tailored feedback, helping refine my presentation and strategy. The workshops, expert panels, and in-field visits were also incredibly insightful, equipping me with practical tools to scale my venture. Additionally, the networking opportunities with global investors and ecosystem leaders were well-facilitated and impactful."
"The program provided invaluable insights into capital strategy, particularly around structuring our capital stack to blend equity, debt, and grant funding. Through sessions with capital experts, we developed a clear pitch for future funding rounds and refined our financial forecasting to present to investors, giving us a stronger foundation for engaging with potential funders in the coming months."
"The program helped me push my business to the
next level by providing networks and also upskilling my business skills"
FAQs
Not sure which path fits? Reach out to prithika@delta40.com for more information
For Residency Applicants
1 / What stage should my venture be at
We work with founders from idea to early revenue. You don't need to be generating revenue yet, but we do look for evidence of commitment - whether that's a closed angel round, bootstrapped capital you've put in yourself, or at least 12 months of full-time dedication to the venture.
2 / Do I need a co-founder to apply?
No, but we do look for teams with complementary skills. If you're a solo technical founder, we'll work with you to identify a commercial co-founder as part of the program.
3 / What does the residency actually involve?
It's hands-on and embedded - not just a series of workshops. You'll get a fractional CFO, commercial lead, and talent expert working inside your business on a recurring basis, alongside access to capital, investor introductions, and targeted masterclasses. Expect to dedicate at least 10 hours a week to the program.
4 / When can I apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend applying early as cohort spots are limited - we keep cohorts small deliberately so we can go deep with each venture.
5 / How many ventures do you take per cohort?
We keep cohorts deliberately small - typically between six to twelve ventures. This is what allows us to go deep rather than broad. It also means we're selective, so we encourage you to apply early.
6 / What happens after the program ends?
You exit with financial systems, hiring plans, a refreshed investor data room, and follow-on introductions. Ventures that are a strong fit for Delta40 equity investment are considered for our fund on commercial terms.
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You will always be part of the Delta40 ecosystem!
7 / Will Delta40 take equity?
This depends on the program and the nature of support provided. We'll always be transparent about terms upfront — no surprises.
For Venture Build Founders
1 / What does "building with Delta40" mean?
If you have deep domain expertise and a problem worth solving but are still shaping the venture, we can co-build with you from the ground up. We bring the operating infrastructure, capital, and a team that's done it before in Africa - you bring the expertise and conviction
2 / What kind of founders are you looking for here?
Operators, scientists, and domain experts who have spent years close to a problem and are ready to build a company around it. You don't need a fully formed idea but you do need a clear point of view on the problem and genuine founder energy.
3 / How is this different from the residency?
The residency supports ventures that already exist. The venture build track is for building something new together with Delta40 as a co-creator from day one.
4 / What does Delta40 bring to a venture build?
We bring a founding team infrastructure - CFO, commercial lead, talent, and product support - alongside capital and our investor network. Think of us as a co-founder with an operating system built for Africa.