Kenyan startups will get access to a global pitch competitions in tech: the Startup World Cup in a new partnership.
Through a new partnership between Silicon Xchange, the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), and NaiBAN, Kenyan founders will compete as part of the Startup World Cup circuit. It is a global platform run by Pegasus Tech Ventures.
Ten founders will be selected to pitch live on June 4 during the Kenya Startup Festival. One will go on to represent Kenya in San Francisco, competing for a $1 million investment.
“Our mission at Silicon Xchange is to close the gap between African innovation and global access,” said Ashley Njoroge, Founder of Silicon Xchange. “Kenya isn’t just hosting a pitch event. Kenya is now on the Startup World Cup map. Every strong application will be shared with global and local investors. That visibility alone can change the trajectory of a company.”
The Startup World Cup is run by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a VC firm with investments in more than 200 startups across 35+ countries.
All qualified applications will be reviewed by an invite-only group of investors, including:
• Pegasus Tech Ventures
• Diaspora angels and Silicon Valley operators
• Africa-based VCs and innovation hubs
• Corporate partners from companies like Safaricom, Google, Microsoft, and Britam
“This partnership is part of KeNIA’s broader strategy to reimagine how the government supports startups,” said Dr. Tonny Omwansa, CEO of KeNIA. “By working directly with private sector players like Silicon Xchange and NaiBAN, we’re moving beyond policy into action—creating opportunities that are real, visible, and global.”
The Kenya Startup Festival is a new working model— where public institutions collaborate with ecosystem builders and investors to get local startups in front of the right capital, networks, and global infrastructure.
“The tech coming out of Kenya is world class. But sometimes the world doesn’t see it,” said Nick Vilelle, Founder of NaiBAN. “This initiative helps solve that by shining the spotlight on the founders and their innovations.”
The competition is open to startups building in Kenya or with operations in the region. Finalists will pitch live and all other strong applications will be added to an investor deal flow tracker shared with global partners.
To participate:
• Apply at: siliconxchange.tech/startupworldcup
• Live Pitch Event: June 4, 2025
• Finale in San Francisco: Fall 2025