ProvidusUnity Bank, gener8tor launch investor programme for Nigerian startups

ProvidusUnity Bank has partnered with US-based venture capital firm and accelerator gener8tor to launch Nigeria Lightning Rounds, a programme designed to improve access to funding for Nigerian startups by connecting founders directly with local and international investors.

The initiative, scheduled for July 15, will bring together selected startups and investors for a series of curated 15-minute virtual meetings aimed at accelerating early-stage fundraising and expanding investment opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

The programme comes as startups continue to face a more challenging fundraising environment, with venture capital investment slowing globally and African founders increasingly seeking alternative funding channels.

According to the organisers, participating startups will engage in one-on-one investment conversations with investors who have indicated interest in backing Nigerian businesses, providing founders with an opportunity to pitch directly to potential financiers.

Ernest Elue, head of business development at ProvidusUnity Bank, said access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

“We recognise that access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Through our partnership with gener8tor, we are creating a platform that connects promising Nigerian founders with investors who can provide the support required to scale their businesses,” Elue said.

He said the partnership aligns with the bank’s broader strategy of supporting entrepreneurship by expanding access to funding and creating growth opportunities for innovative businesses.

Nigeria remains Africa’s largest startup ecosystem by number of ventures, but founders have faced tighter fundraising conditions over the past two years as global investors adopted a more cautious approach to venture capital investments.

Nigeria Lightning Rounds is based on gener8tor’s global Lightning Rounds model, which has facilitated thousands of meetings between founders and investors across multiple markets. The format is designed to simplify fundraising by matching startups with investors whose interests align with their stage of growth and sector focus.

According to gener8tor, its previous Lightning Rounds programme for Nigerian founders in 2025 involved 18 investors and facilitated 50 investment meetings.

Elizabeth Larios, director of Lightning Rounds at gener8tor, said the partnership would help channel more investment towards Nigerian entrepreneurs.

“gener8tor is thrilled to partner with ProvidusUnity Bank to extend the Lightning Rounds model into Nigeria. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building equitable ecosystems and driving capital to the most promising and underrepresented entrepreneurs,” she said.

The programme will prioritise startups operating in sectors including fintech, healthtech, manufacturing, sustainability and artificial intelligence, while remaining open to small and medium-sized businesses across other industries.

Applications are open to startups across Nigeria, while investors interested in participating can also register through the programme’s application portal.