We are looking for 1,000 Young Entrepreneurs!
Got a business idea—or already building something big
The 1,000 Young Entrepreneurs Start-Up Fund is built to unlock the potential of ambitious founders under 30, providing seed funding, hands-on coaching, practical training, and access to a powerful network of peers and industry leaders. Everything you need to turn bold ideas into real, scalable ventures.
Now empowering young entrepreneurs in Kenya and the Philippines.
Where are we active
Kenya (Active)
Our flagship program supporting young entrepreneurs across Kenya.
Philippines (Active)
Our newest program supporting young entrepreneurs across the Philippines in partnership with Ateneo – Pathways to Higher Education.
Our impact
13 Awards ran
74 Start Ups invested in
over 244 jobs created
>488k revenue generated
Our 1,000 Young Entrepreneurs Start up Fund Winners - Stage 1 & Stage 2
Our 1,000 Young Entrepreneurs Start up Fund Winners - Stage 1
Yvonne Gatwiri
Produces clean, affordable cooking fuel from recycled organic waste, helping households save money while reducing deforestation. (Award: Vontobel Foundation, 2026)
rEUBEN oNGWAE
Designs and produces personalized, sensory-friendly wooden puzzle kits that help autistic children in Kenya build focus, coordination, and routine through locally made, affordable, and culturally relevant learning tools co-created with parents and therapists. (Award: UBS, 2025)
Winnie Wambugu
Transforms excess and low-grade potatoes into gluten-free flour, empowering farmers, improving nutrition, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Award: Givaudan, 2024)
Faith Gakii
Cosmetics brand offering eco-friendly skin and hair care products, designed with natural ingredients to effectively address common skin and hair issues while promoting healthy beauty and sustainability. (Award: Givaudan, 2024)
deborah madaga
A herbal tea that provides natural, nutrient-rich solution to support menstrual health for women. (Award: Oracle, 2024)
Alphonce Owiti
Provides solar-powered cold storage, refrigerated logistics, and fish processing services to coastal fishing communities. (Award: UBS, 2025)
Cecilia Omae
A dedicated orchard focused on cultivating high-quality organic apples with a commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. (Award: Givaudan, 2024)
Gabriel Mwaingo
Picha Print makes design accessible by converting 2d images and drawings into 3d design files. (Award: UBS, 2025)
Harriet Achero
A brand that blends African heritage with modern design to create handcrafted pieces that promote cultural pride and supports local artisans. (Award: Vontobel Foundation, 2026
Roda Achieng
A floral arrangement business that employs and empowers single mothers while using a portion of its profits to provide menstrual hygiene products to underprivileged schoolgirls.(Award: Oekumenische Arbeitsgruppe, 2024)
Our 1,000 Young Entrepreneurs Start up Fund Winners - Stage 2
Pendo Dama
Deals with large scale production of organic horticultural products in Kenya. (Award: Givaudan, 2024)
Maxwell Murimi
Empowers farmers through sustainable, locally-sourced honey and biodiversity support. (Award: Givaudan, 2024)
Derick Otieno
Promotes healthy lifestyles while embracing a plant-based/vegan diet with sea moss/Irish moss capsules. (Award: SwissRe, 2022)
Beatrice Kihara
Delivers quality affordable ex-uk bikes to Kenya and promotes fitness and well-being. (Award: SwissRe, 2022)
Jacton Badia
Offers affordable credit services to poor people who are in the waste recycling business. (Award: SwissRe, 2024)
BONIFACE MWASARU
Insect farming aims to produce highly proteinous, sustainable and nutritious animal feeds. (Award: SwissRe, 2024)
MOLLY ATIENO
Uses organic waste to promote protein-rich animal feed and solve waste storage issues. (Award: SwissRe, 2024)
ASHA SADI
Provides clean and safe, purified drinking water to the people at affordable prices. (Award: SwissRe, 2022)
Margaret Njonjo
Proactive asthma management tool helping patients act early through real-time monitoring. (Award: Vontobel Foundation, 2026)
Kelvin Francis
Pent Vet Surgeons is a mixed veterinary practice striving to provide quality care for all animals. (Award: Vontobel Foundation, 2026)
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