Venture Meda, a transformative initiative launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology, and iceaddis, continues its mission to foster job creation and economic growth in Ethiopia. Through innovative incubation and acceleration programs, Venture Meda is set to create sustainable job opportunities by supporting young entrepreneurs and expanding digital entrepreneurship across the country.
Building on its previous successes, which included supporting of 40 e-commerce start-ups and direct job opportunities for over 12,000 individuals, the project continues to help local digital entrepreneurs scale their businesses and improve their digital capabilities.
The program also offers connections with local and international investors, empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to join the growing digital economy.
Following the success of the first two cohorts, Venture Meda is excited to announce the selection of eight innovative start-ups for its third accelerator cohort. These ambitious businesses are poised to reshape their industries through digital entrepreneurship, tapping into Ethiopia’s growing online marketplace.
“We are excited to welcome the new startups to our third cohort of Venture Meda,” said Lensa Kebede, Project Lead at Venture Meda. “Every cohort is different, coming from different industries and different calibers. But they all have one thing in common, and that is to be heard, connected, and to grow. And iceaddis thrives to meet those expectations and create a meaningful, lasting partnership with startups.”
The selected startups will participate in an intensive program that includes mentorship from industry experts, workshops on business development and digital marketing, and opportunities for funding. By equipping them with the tools they need to grow and succeed, Venture Meda is continuing its commitment to fostering sustainable, digital-led job creation in Ethiopia.
The third Venture Meda accelerator cohort consists of the following exciting startups:
- Sensul
Website: https://sensul.co/
Sensul is a dynamic online art gallery promoting contemporary art from Ethiopia, Africa, and the Diaspora. The platform aims to bridge the gap between talented artists and art lovers worldwide, providing a space for the global celebration of African art. - Relink Agri
Website: https://relinket.com/
Relink Agri is an e-commerce platform offering a diverse range of agricultural inputs and fresh agricultural products. By connecting farmers with quality seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and fresh produce, Relink Agri is empowering local agriculture while promoting sustainability. - Lelije Solutions
Website: https://lelije.et/
Lelije Solutions revolutionizes school transportation by connecting parents, schools, and drivers through a cutting-edge platform. The solution ensures a safer, more efficient school commute, empowering parents with control over the process. - AddisCad
Website: https://www.addiscad.com/
AddisCad provides a seamless marketplace for CAD professionals, enabling them to buy and sell CAD drawings. By fostering collaboration and creativity within the CAD community, AddisCad supports design professionals in streamlining their workflows. - Afro Creo
Website: https://www.afrocreoo.com/
AfroCreo connects Ethiopian freelancers with businesses seeking high-quality creative services. Whether it’s graphic design, photography, video editing, or social media management, AfroCreo empowers talented professionals to showcase their work and collaborate with clients. - GlobeDock Academy
Website: https://www.globedock.et/landing
GlobeDock Academy addresses Ethiopia’s educational challenges by providing affordable, high-quality e-learning resources. Targeting students from grades 7 to 12, GlobeDock offers a freemium business model and works with partners to scale its impact. - Acklog’s
Website: https://www.acklogs.com/
Acklog’s is a women-owned fashion brand that modernizes traditional Ethiopian clothing. By combining contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship, Acklog’s creates stylish and comfortable garments, while also providing a convenient online shopping experience. - PickUp ICT Solutions
Website: https://pickup.et/
PickUp ICT Solutions is an e-commerce logistics and delivery platform for businesses of all sizes. The platform aims to streamline delivery services, offering businesses a reliable solution to manage their logistics needs in the digital age.
These startups will join the Venture Meda accelerator program, receiving the support they need to scale and make a lasting impact on Ethiopia’s growing digital economy.
