216 Capital And Plug And Play Introduce Accelerator To Support Tunisian Startups
The six-month program pairs founders with top global investors and VCs, while opening doors to Plug and Play’s worldwide network of mentors, backers, and corporate partners.
Tunisian venture capital firm 216 Capital has joined forces with Silicon Valley-based innovation platform Plug and Play to launch the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator, a six-month program aimed at helping up to 20 local startups prepare for investment and expand into regional and international markets.
Selected startups will each receive €50,000 (US$58,000) in initial funding, with the possibility of larger follow-on investments. The program also offers tailored mentoring sessions with international investors, venture capitalists, and coaches, as well as access to Plug and Play’s global network of investors, mentors, and corporate partners.
“This program marks an important milestone for the Tunisian ecosystem. By joining forces with Plug and Play, we are giving local founders the tools to structure their businesses, raise capital, and access international markets,” Dhekra Khelifi, Partner at 216 Capital, said in a statement.
Yves Cabanac, Managing Director France, Benelux, Afrique at Plug and Play, commented, “Tunisia has already proven its ability to produce globally relevant innovations, with some of Africa’s most remarkable success stories. With this program, we aim to accelerate that momentum by identifying high-potential startups, aligning them with global standards, and channeling new investment flows into the country. Our ambition is to position Tunisia as a transregional innovation hub, bridging local talent with global opportunities.”
The initiative is designed to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and encourage more investment in Tunisia’s startup ecosystem, as well as to enhance the country’s position as an emerging hub for innovation in Africa and the MENA region.
Backed by Smart Capital, a Tunisia-based management company overseeing startup support programs, and the ANAVA fund of funds, a Tunisia-based investment vehicle dedicated to financing startups and venture capital, the program supports Tunisia’s broader national strategy to develop a sustainable and competitive innovation environment.
Pictured in the lead image is a scene from the launch of the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator, featuring Yves Cabanac, Managing Director France, Benelux, Plug and Play, and Dhekra Khelifi, Partner at 216 Capital, with their teams.
