Tunisian venture capital firm 216 Capital has partnered with Silicon Valley’s global innovation platform, Plug and Play, to launch the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator. The new initiative, backed by key national entities like Smart Capital and the ANAVA fund of funds, aims to significantly boost Tunisia’s startup ecosystem by empowering local founders to scale globally.
What Startups Will Receive
The six-month accelerator program is exclusively dedicated to Tunisian startups and will support up to 20 ventures in its cohort. The program is designed to make startups investment-ready and facilitate their expansion into regional and international markets. Each selected startup will receive:
- Initial Funding: €50,000 (~$58,000) in seed capital.
- Follow-on Potential: The possibility of larger follow-on investments for top-performing companies.
- Mentorship: Customized guidance from a network of international coaches, investors, and VCs.
- Global Access: Integration into Plug and Play’s extensive global network of investors, mentors, and corporate partners.
A Strategic Push for the Ecosystem
This partnership represents a major milestone in Tunisia’s national strategy to strengthen its position as a competitive innovation hub for Africa and the MENA region. By combining 216 Capital’s local expertise with Plug and Play’s global reach, the accelerator aims to align high-potential startups with international standards and attract new investment flows into the country.
“This programme marks an important milestone for the Tunisian ecosystem,” said Dhekra Khelifi, Partner at 216 Capital. “By joining forces with Plug and Play, we are giving local founders the tools to structure their businesses, raise capital, and access international markets.”
About 216 Capital
216 Capital is a leading Tunisian venture capital firm that invests in and supports early-stage startups in Tunisia and the wider region. The firm is dedicated to nurturing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping founders build scalable, impactful companies.
About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is a global innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley. It has built an ecosystem of startups, corporations, and investors across numerous industries. The platform runs accelerator programs and provides corporate innovation services to help its partners thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Source: Wamda
