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Cameroon is becoming one of the best places to build a startup, but most of the early-stage entrepreneurs we speak to aren't aware of the local tech resources that are available to help them.

With applications for the Cameroon Founder Institute now open, we're excited to release the Cameroon Startup Resource Guide, which is currently in Draft v1 below! It was developed by the Cameroon Founder Institute and local leaders: Africa Admin, Ayodeji Agboola (Founder CEO, Akowe), Chika Nwogu (Founder, WriteMyBusiness), Chioma Peace (Senior Product Manager, Andela), Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr. (Co-founder, techbuild.africa), Ifedy Eze (Lead Strategist, Maisematrix Consulting), Lagos Admin (FI Lagos, FI Lagos), Oluwarotimi Fasuyi (MR, VDL TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED), Wande Adalemo (Founder/CEO, Wave5Wireless (Atmosphere))

This is just a draft, and while we spent many hours on this research, more input is needed. Please leave your comments on this collaborative Google document to help us complete the list. There are definitely omissions on this current version. 

Are you looking to build a startup in Cameroon? Then apply to the Cameroon Founder Institute today!

Startup Stages


There is no one right way to build a technology company, but for the sake of simplicity we have outlined a basic, common, sequential framework.

1. Idea Stage

This is where new entrepreneurs get inspired, learn best practices, develop skills, validate ideas, and begin to build their team and product.

A. Inspire

  • Inspirational Douala Startup Events: Open, inclusive startup events that often focus on ideation. (i.e. Startup Weekend, idea fairs, and inspirational meetups)

    1. Inspire Week
    2. Startup Weekend Douala

B. Educate

C. Validate

2. Launch Stage

In this stage, entrepreneurs establish and formalize the company, develop the product, get feedback from customers, and prepare for the next step.

A. Start

B. Develop

C. Launch

  • Douala Seed Accelerators: Seed funding mentor programs (Techstars-style programs that provide funding)
    1. JFN-IT – E4IMPACT Accelerator

3. Growth Stage

Here, a startup proves their utility, receives recognition, and scales up. This usually requires funding, angels, VCs, and ways to connect them to startups.

A. Recognition

B. Funding

C. Growth

4. Cameroon Startup Success Stories

Successful homegrown companies that have raised significant institutional funding, employ a large workforce, or have achieved liquidity.

  1. Diool
  2. Ejara
  3. Maviance
  4. PaySika
  5. Waspito



Supporters


To facilitate the steps, every ecosystem needs strong supporters.

1. Cameroon Startup Leaders

Successful local founders who lead the ecosystem & frequently mentor newbies.

  1. Stephen Lyonga Azeh
  2. Tchabo Paul
  3. Tchunche Hermann

2. Cameroon Government Startup Resources

Public organizations that facilitate local economic development

  1. American Chamber of Commerce in Cameroon
  2. Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts
  3. Investment Promotion Agency
  4. Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development

3. Talent

Major local business or tech universities and employers that attract and retain local talent.

 

*  *  *

Learn more about the Startup Ecosystem Canvas here, and leave us your thoughts on the Cameroon Canvas on this collaborative Google document (This is just a draft, and more input is needed!)

Are you looking to build a startup in Cameroon? Then apply to the Cameroon Founder Institute today

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