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Angels Climate Tech Africa: In Collaboration with EY & ServiceNow

Exclusive Foundry awards for social entrepreneurs tackling the climate crisis in Africa.

Applications close 14 October 2025

Applications close 14 October 2025
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Overview
Eligibility
Evaluation Criteria
How to Apply
FAQ
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Applying for Angels Climate Tech Africa


This year, Acumen Angels goes further than ever before! Applicants leading climate tech enterprises in select African countries will be considered under the  Global Angels Program and the newly launched Angels Climate Tech Africa. Only one application is required, and successful applicants will receive one award of USD 25,000 or USD 50,000 in addition to world-class targeted coaching support from a pair of leaders from EY and ServiceNow. Inc. 

And that’s not all. Every applicant will have access to the Pitch Masterclass designed to elevate their ability to effectively communicate their work and secure crucial funding beyond Acumen Angels.

To apply, complete your Eligibility Check, upload your pitch deck, and register for the Pitch Masterclass by Tuesday, 14 October at 11:59 PM Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)! Depending on your responses, we may require a few days to determine whether you are eligible for this Angels program.

Therefore, we strongly recommend that you begin your eligibility check now to provide enough time for our team to review your eligibility. We estimate the form will take about an hour to complete. And you can begin preparing your answers now by previewing the application form here.

Please note: Only Foundry Members who register for and attend the Pitch Masterclass will be considered for an Angels award.

What is Angels Climate Tech Africa?


Angels Climate Tech Africa backs African entrepreneurs who are tackling the climate crisis through climate tech business models. The program is a part of the Acumen Angels initiative, which offers simple, trust-based capital to early-stage social entrepreneurs solving problems of poverty in their communities and provides them with financial and operational support to test and refine their business models in service of achieving their growth and impact plans. Angels Climate Tech Africa is providing critical business and technology coaching through a joint partnership with EY and ServiceNow.

Are you an early-stage social entrepreneur tackling the climate crisis using climate tech business models? 

Then, Angels Climate Tech Africa might be for you. 

This year’s Angels Climate Tech Africa program offers far more than early-stage funding. We’ve partnered with EY, one of the world’s leading professional services organizations, and ServiceNow, a global leader in digital workflow and technology solutions, to equip you with the resources, expertise, and connections to take your impact to the next level.

Applicants to Angels Climate Tech Africa are automatically considered for the Global Angels Award. If selected, you’ll receive:

  • $25,000 or $50,000 in awards to catalyze your climate tech solution.
  • A pair of dedicated coaches from EY and ServiceNow, providing 2 hours of targeted, high-value coaching each month for 6 months.
  • A chance to be considered for the ServiceNow Technology Donation Program, providing the tools and platforms that can dramatically enhance operational efficiency.
  • Group capacity-building workshops led by EY and ServiceNow experts, offering practical, cutting-edge knowledge to strengthen your business model, optimize operations, and expand impact.

This is more than access to capital. The Angels Climate Tech Africa program is an opportunity to walk alongside some of the most trusted voices in business and technology, receiving hands-on guidance and practical tools rarely accessible to early-stage innovators tackling our toughest climate challenges.

Supported by

Info Sessions

Global Angels Info Session I

Delivered only in English, this session provides an opportunity to engage the program team directly and ask any questions you might have. Password for accessing the recording: e#B1F*f2

1 October 2025, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM UTC
Watch Session Recording
Angels Climate Tech Africa (Recommended)

Open to foundry members leading climate tech solutions in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, or Uganda. Password for accessing the recording: +gB3=d#d

3 October 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM UTC
Watch Session Recording
Global Angels Info Session II

Open to all (with live translation to Spanish). Learn more about the application process at one of our info sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity to engage the program team directly and ask any questions you might have. Click on the link below to register.

8 October 2025, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM UTC
Join

Who is eligible for Angels Climate Tech Africa?

General eligibility criteria: 

  1. Your organization delivers an innovative and inclusive climate tech solution, purposefully driving progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  Note on definition: Climate tech enterprises are businesses that aim to provide solutions to mitigate or adapt to climate change. This includes tech-enabled processes, products, or services that have one or more of the following attributes:
    • Build climate resilience
    • Contribute to climate mitigation
    • Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity
    • Reduce natural resource consumption and inefficiency
    • Remove carbon from the atmosphere
    • Support innovation for renewable electricity
    • Eliminate waste and pollution through circular economy thinking
    • Enable the development of sustainable infrastructure

  2. Your organization operates in one or more of the following countries in Africa: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, or Uganda.

  3. You are a member of the Foundry community, or your program ends, and you will become a member of the Foundry by 30 November 2025.
    • Previous Angels awardees are eligible to apply provided that they received their award earlier than 2023. However, please note that returning awardees will only be considered under Angels Clean Tech Africa for a maximum of USD 25,000.

  4. You are the founder of a social enterprise (for-profit, nonprofit, hybrid, or cooperative). 
    • Note that academic institutions or government entities are not eligible to apply. 
    • Note that CEOs who are not founders but lead high-impact potential organizations will be considered eligible only in exceptional circumstances as determined by the reviewing team. 

  5. Your organization is legally incorporated (or will be incorporated before 30 November 2025).

  6. Your organization has an official bank account (or will have one before 30 November 2025).

  7. You have hired at least 1 full-time/part-time employee (beyond the founders).

  8. Your model is at the pilot or post-pilot stage.
    • Note that idea stage models are not eligible to apply.

Eligibility criteria by legal structure: 

For-profit & hybrid organizations: 

  • You should have raised no more than USD 100,000 in grants or equity/debt by the time of applying.
  • Important to note: If you've raised more than USD 100,000 and believe that the Angels award of USD 25,000 or USD 50,000 will significantly contribute to the growth of your initiative, please don’t hesitate to explain this in the first part of the application form. We will consider eligibility exceptions on a case-by-case basis. 

    If you require an exception to apply, we strongly recommend that you begin your eligibility check now to provide enough time for our team to review your eligibility. 

Nonprofit organizations: 

  • There is no restriction on the amount fundraised by the time of Angels application BUT a restriction to apply only with a new initiative to innovate on core model, OR scale, OR build the team’s capacity/tech for scale.
  • Important to note: Angels awards for nonprofits are NOT to be used for core operational funding. This means that community-based initiatives looking to use the funds to cover regular operating expenses (corpus budget) each year are not eligible. If you are unclear about this condition, please contact us at ooruade@acumen.org. 

Evaluation


What are the key evaluation criteria? 

The ideal candidate profile

The ideal candidate has strong character and competence to execute and has piloted a market-based initiative, with at least one clear revenue stream, that has a high likelihood to scale to address issues of poverty. 

Behind the ideal candidate profile, there are 5 Key Evaluation Criteria:  

graphic of model and leader related criteria

Solution/model-related criteria:

  • Evaluation criteria 1: Potential for Significant Impact 
  • Evaluation criteria 2: Level of Customer/Beneficiary Understanding 
  • Evaluation criteria 3: Financial Viability of the Model 
  • Evaluation criteria 4: Use of Funds

Leader-related criteria:

  • Evaluation criteria 5: Leader’s level of Competence and Character

In summary, you are the right fit for Acumen Angels if: 

  1. Your organization delivers an innovative and inclusive climate tech solution, purposefully driving progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Please refer to the general eligibility criteria for the definition of climate tech enterprises.
  2. Your organization operates in one or more of the following countries in Africa: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, or Uganda.
  3. You are/will become a member of the Foundry by 30 November 2025
  4. You are a humble founder with a strong character and a proven competence to execute
  5. You have formalized the organization and hired a team
  6. You work on solving issues of poverty in your country or region
  7. You work on an innovative climate tech model that:
    • is currently being piloted or has already been piloted
    • uses market forces not just charity, creating impact that is exponentially greater than what traditional philanthropy can achieve
    • has at least 1 clear revenue stream and a feasible pathway to financial sustainability
    • has a high potential to scale and reach millions of people

How to apply

1
Eligibility check

14 October, 2025

14 October, 2025

By 14 October, submit your eligibility form (includes uploading your pitch deck) and sign up for the Pitch Masterclass to receive guidance from expert investors on crafting an effective pitch deck. Only Foundry Members who register and attend the Pitch Masterclass can submit an Angels Application.

The deadline to complete the eligibility check and session registration is 14 October at 11:59 PM UTC.

Note on the Pitch Deck: On the eligibility form, we will ask you to upload the latest version of your pitch deck. Review the recommended Pitch Deck Template for your 'org-type' before submitting your Eligibility Form:

While your pitch deck does not need to be in the exact format of the recommended template, it should cover all the main content we are looking for. See slide 4 of the template for the checklist.

2
Attend

28 or 30 October, 2025

28 or 30 October, 2025

Join Acumen Portfolio Managers at the Pitch Masterclass Session on 28 or 30 October at 12:00 Noon UTC for a pitch deck review in a group coaching setting. This is a mandatory requirement to be considered for an award, and you only need to attend one session.

3
Refine

4 November 2025

4 November 2025

Join an optional coaching session on 4 November at 12 Noon UTC if you need further guidance with refining your pitch deck.

4
Apply

6 November 2025

6 November 2025

By 6 November, apply to receive USD 25,000 or USD 50,000 Angels award by completing a brief application form and attaching your finalized pitch deck. 

5
Application status

23 January 2025

23 January 2025

Learn about the status of your application by 23 January 2026. 

Apply Now

Key Dates:

  • 3 October 2025 — Recommended Info Session for Angels Climate Tech Africa
  • 14 October 2025 — Deadline for eligibility check, pitch deck upload, and pitch masterclass registration
  • 28 or 30 October 2025 — Mandatory Pitch Masterclass (attend either session)
  • 4 November 2025 — Optional coaching session
  • 6 November 2025 — Application deadline
  • 23 January 2026 — Award decisions announced

Infomation Sessions

Info Session #1: ENG ONLY

Password: 9Ji=FEUB

August 8th 2024, 10 am - 11 am UTC.
Recording available here
Info Session #2: ENG & ESP

August 15th 2024, 3 pm - 4 pm UTC.
Register

FAQ

When is the deadline to apply for Angels Climate Tech Africa

This year, Applicants to Angels Climate Tech Africa will be automatically considered for the Global Angels Award 2025. Only one application is required, and successful applicants will receive one award of USD 25,000 or USD 50,000 in addition to world-class targeted coaching support from a pair of leaders from EY and ServiceNow. Inc. 

Also, every applicant will have access to the Pitch Masterclass, designed to elevate their ability to effectively communicate their work and secure crucial funding beyond Acumen Angels. 

To apply, submit your eligibility form (including your pitch deck) and register for the Pitch Masterclass by Tuesday, 14 October at 11:59 PM UTC! 

How many Angels awards will be granted this year?

For the 2025 Acumen Angels cycle, we will grant 25 awards of USD 25,000 or USD 50,000 each. Applicants under the Angels Climate Tech Africa will also be considered under the Global Angels program. Successful applicants will receive one award of USD 25,000 or USD 50,000 in addition to high-value coaching from leading business and technology experts.

Can previous Angels awardees apply for Angels Climate Africa?

Yes. The Angels Clean Tech Africa program is a separate funding track from the Global Angels program. Foundry members who meet the required program criteria are welcome to apply regardless of their awardee status. However, please note that the exception to reapply only applies to awardees who received their awards earlier than 2023. Also, returning awardees will only be considered under Angels Clean Tech Africa for a maximum of USD 25,000.

Are all sessions and pre-work mandatory?

Only the Pitch Masterclass scheduled for 28 and 30 October is mandatory for all Angels Applicants. And you only need to attend one of the sessions.   

The coaching and information sessions are optional. While we strongly recommend engaging these materials/resources, whether you complete/attend them will not impact the assessment of your Angels application or your ability to apply.  

What is The Foundry and am I in it?

Foundry members are all alumni from the Acumen Fellows program and Acumen Academy Accelerator programs. If you graduated from a fellowship or an accelerator program at Acumen Academy, then you are in The Foundry. 

What’s the definition of Climate tech enterprises?

Climate tech enterprises are businesses that aim to provide solutions to mitigate or adapt to climate change. This includes tech-enabled processes, products, or services that have one or more of the following attributes:

  • Build climate resilience
  • Contribute to climate mitigation
  • Protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity
  • Reduce natural resource consumption and inefficiency
  • Remove carbon from the atmosphere
  • Support innovation for renewable electricity
  • Eliminate waste and pollution through circular economy thinking
  • Enable the development of sustainable infrastructure

What is the difference between Acumen’s portfolio investing and Acumen Angels?

Angels is differentiated from Acumen’s portfolio investing work by stage and ticket size. Angels target the “Blueprint” stage, stopping short of the end of “Validate” stage - this includes organizations developing initial products and strategies as well as testing and refining the business model. Angels funding is intended to be small, simple, bound by trust, and based on the belief in your character and potential and the potential of your model to create a positive and meaningful impact at scale. 

Further, Acumen Angels is exclusive to the social entrepreneurs in Acumen’s alumni community, the Foundry.

Is Acumen Angels only for for-profit entrepreneurs?

No. This is also for non-profits models. 

My entity is hybrid, can I apply through the for-profit entity and transfer the funds to the nonprofit entity?

Yes, you can do that. However, please make sure you use the money the way you say you will use them in your application. 

Is Acumen Angels only for Founders?

Yes, the program is designed for Founders, but we are open to exceptional cases where the leader of the organization is not the Founder but the CEO. When you open the application form you will be asked to first complete an eligibility test. 

Can Fellows apply together with a new venture?

As of now, this is for individual entrepreneurs who are beyond the idea stage, it isn’t to pitch brand new, untested ideas. However, we are very open to the evolution of this type of funding should there be interest. 

Can Fellows who have not yet completed Year 1 apply?

Only Fellows and Accelerator participants who completed their programs or who graduate from their program by 30 November 2025 can apply. Please ask your program team if you are unclear when you graduate.

Is this a one-off or will this program happen again?

Our hope is for this to be an annual program. 

Can we apply if we are not registered as an entity yet?

No.

What is considered an early-stage project/organization at Acumen Angels? Can we apply with an early-stage project if our organization is not early stage?

With respect to the first question, early-stage organizations/projects are not in the idea stage nor do they have stable beneficiaries/customers. Instead, they are completing the first level of validation of the problem-solution fit. If you are a for-profit the condition is your organization has not raised external funding of more than USD 100,000.

Regarding the second question, it depends. If you are a for-profit or hybrid organization, the condition is your organization has not raised external funding of more than USD 100,000. If you are a nonprofit, then there is no such condition. However, for nonprofits, please check the type of projects that are eligible for Acumen Angels.

How do I demonstrate that we have a problem-solution fit?

We assume you run experiments to validate your model’s assumptions. An example of an assumption is your customers' willingness to pay for your solution. Be clear in your application about the assumptions you already validated and those that are still in the process of validation. Mention the data/evidence you have that your customers/beneficiaries want your solution. 

Please explain this statement: “Acumen Angels awards for nonprofits are NOT to be used for core operational funding. This means that community-based initiatives looking to use the funds to cover regular operating expenses (corpus budget) each year are not eligible.”

In the past, some nonprofits applying for Angels mentioned that they need the funds to run current programs – i.e. for core operational expenses. We observed that these applications are less likely to be successful: and less likely to be selected as Angels finalists or winners. As a result, in 2024, we are clear that the Angels Award is NOT to be used as a recurrent type of funding. Instead, think of Angels as a one-time funding opportunity that should enable your organization/project to scale and/or raise funds further. 

Therefore, we want to see the funds being used for:

  • An initiative to innovate further on the current model – maybe you noticed bottlenecks in scaling your current initiatives – this is your opportunity to try to innovate on these bottlenecks
  • Scaling a current initiative to a new segment of beneficiaries or a new region
  • Capacity-building effort to train the team or bring technology to enable the scaling of existing programs
     

Example of past winners of Acumen Angels

Matan Arewan Sosai Initiative in Nigeria (non-profit), Ecobora in Kenya (for-profit) Zebra Cropbank in Nigeria (for-profit).

I couldn’t make any of the Info Sessions

All recordings will be made available on this page 24 hours after the session ends.

I don’t see my question here.

Most questions about the program and the application process can be answered by reviewing this website and the FAQs above. If your question is unanswered, you may contact Damilola Kolawole at dkolawole@acumen.org, cc’ing Kome Oruade at ooruade@acumen.org.

Why Acumen Angels?

 


Social entrepreneurs and innovators in our community face extreme challenges in the early days of validation of an innovative model that can improve the lives of millions of people living in poverty. Many of you are passionate builders and need all the support you can get. As a Foundry member, you already experience the accompaniment of a network of peers committed to social impact. We know you also need access to resources. 

One of our earliest insights at Acumen was that capital alone is insufficient to truly change the way the world tackles poverty. We need a new type of leadership and perhaps most of all a deep community of partners, allies, supporters, and believers to hold each of us to the path. It is our belief that a small amount of capital, combined with the power of this extraordinary community, can result in many game-changing companies that will model a different definition of success for the world - one that puts human dignity and the earth at the center.

We aim to bring these resources to you early in your journey through Acumen Angels so you can continue building the next generation of models with high-impact potential to tackle poverty/inequality around the world.    

Angels is differentiated from Acumen’s portfolio investing work by stage and ticket size. Angels target the “Blueprint” stage, stopping short of the end of “Validate” stage - this includes organizations developing initial products and strategies as well as testing and refining the business model. Angels Award is intended to be small, simple, bound by trust, and based on the belief in your character and potential, and the potential of your model to create a positive and meaningful impact.