Commission to fund 30 startups at S/East venture capital finale

The South East Development Commission has announced plans to fund 30 startups at the grand finale of its inaugural South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP) Pitch Competition slated for May 25 and 26 in Enugu. In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Finance and Chairman of the South East Venture Capital Programme, Stanley Ohajuruka, […]

The South East Development Commission has announced plans to fund 30 startups at the grand finale of its inaugural South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP) Pitch Competition slated for May 25 and 26 in Enugu.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director, Finance and Chairman of the South East Venture Capital Programme, Stanley Ohajuruka, the commission said the two-day event would hold at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, bringing together startup founders, investors, development finance institutions, policymakers and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The commission said the programme is designed to deepen access to funding for technology-driven businesses in the South East and strengthen the region’s venture capital ecosystem.
According to the statement, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises innovative financing mechanisms and local funding opportunities for startups.

 

SEDC said more than 1,200 applications were received following the call for entries opened on March 13, 2026, with applications drawn from technology-enabled ventures operating across the South East.

 

It said after a rigorous multi-stage selection process covering both accelerator and incubation tracks, 50 ventures emerged as finalists for the competition.

 

The statement added that the finalists would undergo a week-long bootcamp focused on pitch readiness and investment preparedness ahead of the finals.

 

“On Monday, May 25, the finalists will present to a panel of experienced investors and sector experts, with 30 ventures to be selected across both tracks,” the statement said.

 

It added that the successful ventures would receive structured investment commitments during the Investment Ceremony scheduled for May 26 and would also be admitted into a post-investment incubation and acceleration programme.

 

The commission noted that the event signals a broader push towards coordinated and long-term investment in the productive capacity of the South East.

 

SEDC further reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, institutional development and private capital mobilisation across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.