Startup World Cup 2026 | Kenya Regional Finals
Be in the room where Kenya picks its next global giant.
Every year, the world's best startups compete for a $1 million investment prize in San Francisco. One of them comes from Kenya.
Startup World Cup is the world's largest global startup competition, run by Pegasus Tech Ventures - a Silicon Valley firm with investments in OpenAI, SpaceX, and some of the most consequential companies of the last decade.
Regional qualifiers take place across 100+ countries. One winner per region advances to the Grand Finale in San Francisco — where past speakers have included partners from Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, Samsung Ventures, and Mercedes-Benz Mobility, alongside icons like Vinod Khosla, Steve Wozniak, Marc Randolph, and Reid Hoffman.
Last year, BuuPass — a Kenyan company — placed 3rd globally. The first African startup to ever reach the Top 3.
This is the room where Kenya picks who goes next.
Are you a startup looking to contest on the big stage? Apply here: https://www.startupworldcup.io/kenya-nairobi-2026?referrer=luma&utm_source=luma
IMPORTANT DATES:
Submission deadline - July 20 2026
Top 10 announcement - August 3 2026
Regional Finale - August 20th, Nairobi, Kenya
Startup World Cup Grand Finale - November 6 2026, San Francisco
Think you have it in you to be a mentor? Submit your interest here: Mentor Application | Startup World Cup
Catch a glimpse of the event here:
What happens on August 20
Kenya's top startup founders take the stage in Nairobi. They pitch to a panel of judges with deep ties to global capital. The top performer advances to the SF Grand Finale. The top 10 walk away with investor matching, founder immersion in San Francisco, and direct connections to diaspora operators in the Valley.
This isn't just a pitch competition. It's the corridor.
Judges
Ashley Njoroge — Founder & CEO, Silicon Xchange
Marie Nielsen — Partner, Antler
Martin Karanja — Innovation & Ecosystem Advisor
Daniel Mainda — CEO, NIFC Africa
Partners
Silicon Xchange · Antler · Kytabu · NaiBan · Founders Live Nairobi · NIFC Africa
Want to sponsor or partner on this event?
We're looking for financial sponsors, mentors, service providers, and travel partners. Packages from $2K.