Seed Funding, Angel Investors & Venture Capital Access
Capital is the oxygen of early-stage ventures. Mazano provides direct funding through micro-grants and connects entrepreneurs to angel investors, VCs, and impact funds actively deploying capital into Africa.
Three Funding Pathways
Micro-Grants
Graduate scale grants up to $50K available post-Bootcamp for ventures demonstrating traction.
- + Non-dilutive — zero equity taken
- + No repayment required
- + Milestone-gated disbursement
- + Tier 1: active cohort participants
- + Tier 2: qualifying graduates (committee review)
Angel Investors
- + Curated investor network
- + Warm introductions from Mazano
- + Pitch coaching before meetings
- + Term sheet guidance
- + Faith-aligned and impact investors
Venture Capital
- + VC introductions for scaling ventures
- + Demo Day showcase platform
- + Financial modeling support
- + Due diligence preparation
- + Post-raise operational support
How Micro-Grants Work
Join a Cohort
Enroll in the Next Step Bootcamp or Manufacturing & Tech Accelerator. Micro-grants are available exclusively to program participants.
Hit Milestones
Complete program modules, validate your business model, and demonstrate measurable progress. Grants reward action, not just ideas.
Apply Mid-Program
Submit a structured application mid-cohort. An independent review committee evaluates milestones, demonstrated need, and impact potential.
Receive & Deploy
Approved grants are disbursed directly. Use funds for inventory, equipment, marketing, hiring, or any business-critical need. No strings attached.
Investor Readiness Program
From Idea to Investable in One Program
Most early-stage African founders aren't rejected by investors because their ideas are bad — they're rejected because they're not investor-ready. Mazano fixes that.
Financial Modeling
Build projections, unit economics, and cap tables that VCs actually read — designed for African market assumptions.
Pitch Deck Refinement
4 weeks of intensive pitch coaching: story structure, slide design, objection handling, and delivery practice.
Mock Investor Panels
Practice pitching to panels of mentors acting as investors. Get the tough questions before they come from real funders.
Due Diligence Prep
Organize your legal, financial, and operational documentation so when an investor says "yes," you're ready to close.
Why African Founders Struggle to Raise — and How Mazano Helps
The Problem
- International sanctions limit FDI into Zimbabwe
- Hyperinflation (40-50% annually) deters investors
- No local VC ecosystem — founders face a capital desert
- Banks require collateral most founders don't have
- Founders lack connections to global investor networks
- Pitch materials don't meet international standards
The Mazano Solution
- Direct micro-grants — no bank, no collateral needed
- USD-denominated funding insulated from ZWL volatility
- Curated network of investors actively seeking African deals
- Warm introductions — not cold emails into the void
- Diaspora mentors who speak the language of global investors
- Demo Day platform with 20+ investors per event
Your Funding Journey at Mazano
Foundations & Financial Literacy
Understand your unit economics, cost structure, and revenue model. Build the financial foundation investors need to see.
Micro-Grant Application
Apply for non-dilutive funding based on milestones achieved. Review committee evaluates and disburses grants mid-program.
Pitch Preparation
4 weeks of intensive pitch coaching, deck refinement, mock investor panels, and financial model stress-testing.
Investor Introductions
Warm introductions to curated investors matched to your sector, stage, and geography. Pre-event relationship building.
Demo Day
Take the stage. Pitch to 20+ investors, donors, and partners. 1:1 matchmaking sessions follow. Mazano supports you through term sheets and closing.
Funding FAQ
Do I need to give up equity for the micro-grant?
No. Micro-grants are non-dilutive. Zero equity, zero repayment. They're grants, not investments.
Can I access funding without joining a cohort?
Micro-grants are exclusive to program participants. However, investor introductions at Demo Day are available to accelerator-stage ventures on a case-by-case basis.
What can I use the micro-grant for?
Anything your business needs — inventory, equipment, marketing, hiring, rent, raw materials. No restrictions. We trust founders to deploy capital where it matters most.
Does Mazano take a commission on investor deals?
Mazano may take a small equity stake or commission on deals facilitated through the platform, disclosed and agreed in advance. This helps sustain the program for future cohorts.
What types of investors are in the network?
Angel investors, early-stage VCs, impact funds, faith-driven investors, and corporate venture arms — focused on manufacturing, technology, agriculture, health, and fintech in Africa.
Is funding in USD or ZWL?
All Mazano micro-grants are denominated and disbursed in USD, protecting founders from Zimbabwean dollar volatility.
Capital Shouldn't Be the Reason Your Business Doesn't Exist
Join a Mazano program to access micro-grants, investor introductions, pitch coaching, and a community that's invested in your success — literally.