Cascador Launches $2m Catalytic Fund for Nigerian Entrepreneurs

Nigerian entrepreneurs are getting a new lifeline as Cascador, the country’s leading accelerator for mid-stage entrepreneurs, has launched the Catalytic Fund, a $2 million annual initiative aimed at providing much-needed financial support to its alumni companies.

The fund offers a combination of debt and equity financing, focusing on mission-driven businesses that often face challenges accessing capital. The initiative seeks to address the funding gap that many Nigerian entrepreneurs encounter when trying to scale their businesses.

According to Dave DeLucia, the founder of the Cascador Catalytic Fund, the goal is to strategically invest where the impact will be most significant. “We are deploying capital where it can truly be catalytic—powering growth, improving access to alternative funding sources, and enabling sustainable scale,” DeLucia explained.

Sterling Bank Partnership to Provide Blended Financing

Cascador’s mission to enhance financial accessibility doesn’t stop at offering direct funding. The accelerator has partnered with Sterling Bank to introduce a custom lending programme designed specifically for its alumni. This partnership is expected to provide affordable and sustainable loans tailored to the business needs of Cascador’s alumni, with flexible repayment structures built around business cash flows.

A statement from Cascador emphasised that this collaboration with Sterling Bank aims to bridge the financial accessibility gap for emerging Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Cascador’s Track Record and Vision for the Future

Since its inception in 2019, Cascador has been instrumental in supporting over 60 entrepreneurs, helping them collectively raise more than $55 million in capital. This new fund is expected to boost the potential of even more businesses, offering a powerful tool for driving growth and achieving sustainable scale.

The introduction of the Catalytic Fund highlights Cascador’s continued commitment to fostering innovation and growth within Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.