Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme for Developing Countries 2023

The Young Founders Programme is a 6-month fellowship for outstanding young entrepreneurs from emerging markets. It brings together leaders from all over the world, who are united in the pursuit to achieve entrepreneurial greatness.

The Westerwelle Foundation for International Understanding is a non-profit organization based in Berlin, Germany. Our mission is to create equal opportunities for all by uplifting emerging markets through empowered entrepreneurship.

About Westerwelle Foundation

The Westerwelle Foundation for International Understanding is a nonprofit organization based in Berlin, Germany. Our mission is to create equal opportunities for all by uplifting emerging markets through empowered entrepreneurship.

Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme

Aim and Benefits of Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme

The Westerwelle Young Founders Programme (YFP) is a six-month fellowship for 25 leaders uplifting emerging and developing markets towards a sustainable future. We offer targeted support to scale our founders’ ventures and develop their leadership abilities, with the following programme plan:

• Access to a global network of entrepreneurs
• Mentorship from industry experts
• Expert workshops for growth stage startups
• Opportunity for exposure to investors
• Chance to attend our conference in Berlin

Travel and accommodation for the Young Founders Conference will be covered by the Westerwelle Foundation. All fellows are expected to actively participate in the Young Founders Conference as well as in the scheduled mentoring calls.

Requirements for Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme Qualification

We are looking for entrepreneurs with high potential for impact and growth to become leaders of a sustainable future, with the following criteria:

• You have recently (in the last five years) started a for-profit company focused on developing or emerging markets;
• Your company possesses a scalable business model that has ideally generated revenue or secured a first round of external funding;
• You or your business possesses disruptive qualities that can increase the quality, impact or inclusiveness of the industry;
• You possess a good working knowledge of English;
• You are available to attend the digital kick-off conference and can make time to participate in programme activities for the six months.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Westerwelle Foundation Young Founders Programme

Selection criteria:

•  Applicants will first be shortlisted according to their written application.
• The shortlisted candidates will then be invited for a Skype interview.
• Results of written application and Skype interview will be discussed by a jury and the selected candidates will be invited to participate at the Young Founders Programme.

Documents Required for Application

• Your startup pitch deck
• Basic financial information (i.e. revenues, funding)
• Your LinkedIn profile and/or CV

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details,visit Westerwelle Foundation website