Itanna: Fueling African Startups with Capital, Mentorship, and Momentum
A Launchpad for Disruptive Tech in Africa
Itanna isn’t just another startup accelerator. It’s a launchpad for Africa’s next wave of tech-driven innovation — backed by one of Nigeria’s leading conglomerates, Honeywell Group. From early-stage capital to deep mentorship and a connected network, Itanna exists to ignite enterprise and fuel long-term growth.
The programme isn’t for everyone. It’s for those ready to build, disrupt, and scale with purpose — starting from Lagos, Nigeria, and reaching across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Itanna Promise: Support at Every Turn
When Itanna says we’re with you every step of the way, they mean it. Startups entering the programme don’t just gain office space and a few talks — they enter a full-blown ecosystem of support.
Through acceleration, direct investment, and mentorship, Itanna’s mission is simple yet bold: to empower the next generation of Nigerian and African businesses to lead, innovate, and redefine their sectors.
Powered by Honeywell Group
The initiative is led by the Honeywell Group, a Nigerian powerhouse operating in food, energy, real estate, and infrastructure. Their involvement means startups get more than mentorship — they gain a strategic ally with reach, capital, and a long-term commitment to innovation in Africa.
Inside the 4-Month Accelerator Programme
Operating out of the Enterprise Factory in Lagos, Itanna runs a highly focused, 4-month accelerator built specifically for tech startups. The program combines early capital with tailored learning and real connections to help teams go from promising to unstoppable.
Step 1 – Settling In
It all starts with clarity. During the first few weeks, teams define their business goals and align with Itanna’s mentors to create actionable growth strategies. And yes, every startup gets an initial $30,000 investment to begin the journey.
Step 2 – Down to Business
Next comes focused execution. Customized workshops—aligned with each team’s unique mission—offer practical, hands-on guidance to shape a winning go-to-market or scaling strategy.
Step 3 – Expanding Your Network
Startups tap into Itanna’s robust network of entrepreneurs, operators, and Honeywell’s own portfolio businesses. This isn’t just about talking — it’s about collaborating to build and test real solutions with real partners.
Step 4 – Experience at Your Fingertips
Access to knowledge is everything. Participants get to learn directly from top-tier local and international experts — people who’ve built, scaled, and succeeded — and are ready to share the roadmap.
Step 5 – Demo Day
Everything leads up to Demo Day — a high-stakes event where participants present their progress and vision to a network of investors, partners, and media. It’s more than a pitch; it’s a shot at real funding and serious traction.
Step 6 – Once Itanna, Always Itanna
Itanna doesn’t end after four months. The accelerator ensures long-term engagement with alumni, offering continuous access to networks, follow-on investment opportunities, and collaboration with Honeywell’s portfolio.
What Sets Itanna Apart?
Below is a quick breakdown of the key features that make Itanna a standout accelerator:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| $30,000 initial investment | Immediate capital to kickstart execution |
| Global and local mentors | Insights from experienced entrepreneurs and specialists |
| Honeywell Group network access | Strategic support from a major Nigerian business group |
| Demo Day with investors | Exposure to funders ready to back promising ventures |
| Office space and shared resources | Work-ready environment in the heart of Lagos |
| Long-term post-program support | Continued access to networks and follow-on funding |
These features combine to create a uniquely supportive environment where promising ideas can thrive with structure, strategy, and speed.
The Power of Demo Day
Everything at Itanna builds toward a single milestone: Demo Day. This is where months of hard work, refinement, and strategy come to life. Startups present their businesses to a curated room of high-net-worth investors, seasoned VCs, and potential partners.
But Demo Day isn’t just a pitch competition. It’s a springboard. The exposure often leads to follow-on investments, partnership deals, and strategic conversations that help startups leap into their next growth phase.
The pitch event also serves as a moment of validation — proving that a startup can capture attention, express its value, and move decision-makers.
The Itanna Legacy: “Once Itanna, Always Itanna”
One of Itanna’s strongest commitments is what happens after the program ends. Unlike many accelerators that close the door post-Demo Day, Itanna believes in ongoing support.
Startups continue to benefit from:
- Access to Honeywell Group’s portfolio of companies and infrastructure
- Follow-on funding opportunities as ventures scale
- Continued mentorship and advisory support from industry experts
- Invites to alumni events, networking mixers, and investor roundtables
This alumni-focused model ensures that companies don’t just survive after Demo Day — they grow, iterate, and return stronger.
Strategic Partners for Innovation and Growth in Africa’s Gaming Industry
No startup ecosystem thrives in isolation. Behind every successful tech cluster are strategic allies — stakeholders who don’t just talk about the future but actively invest in building it.
At Itanna, we collaborate with those who truly understand the value of technological breakthroughs. One of our key partners is Spribe — an international company setting new standards in the gaming industry. With products like Aviator, Spribe isn’t just keeping up with trends — they’re setting them. Their game development approach blends social mechanics, multiplayer interaction, and a scalable architecture designed to engage the next generation of players.
Spribe’s activity across Africa holds special significance for us. Their involvement in accelerator programs and investment initiatives in emerging markets proves that even the boldest ideas can take flight with the right support and a clear business strategy. Beyond sharing technical expertise, Spribe contributes to developing local talent, infrastructure, and international networks.
These kinds of partnerships lay the groundwork for sustainable growth. And when global technology meets local ambition and entrepreneurial energy, it sparks ventures with the power to redefine entire industries.
Beyond Acceleration: Direct Investments Across Africa
In addition to its accelerator programme, Itanna also makes direct strategic investments in early and growth-stage tech-enabled businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Their investment strategy focuses on:
- Innovative, scalable business models
- Disruptive technology solutions
- Strong executional teams with deep domain expertise
- High-growth market potential
By injecting smart capital and offering tailored support, Itanna positions these ventures to not only survive but dominate their industries.
This hands-on capital deployment makes Itanna more than just a backer — it becomes a strategic partner, aligned with the long-term goals of the entrepreneurs it supports.
Is Itanna Right for You?
If you’re working on a tech-enabled product or platform in Africa — and your team is ready to scale — Itanna wants to hear from you. They’re especially interested in startups with:
- A clear product-market fit
- A committed, entrepreneurial team
- Ambitions to solve big problems using technology
- Readiness to grow with structure, investment, and strategic backing
It’s not about chasing hype. It’s about building sustainable, impactful businesses that move the continent forward.
What We Look For
A Solid Foundation
We’re looking for startups with a clear product-market fit and real traction. If your solution solves a genuine problem and people already use it — you’re on the right track.
Strong, Committed Teams
We back people, not just ideas. That means founders and teams who are driven, focused, and fully invested in building something that matters for Africa.
Big Vision, Smart Growth
If your business is ready to scale — with the right investment, structure, and strategic support — and you’re not just chasing hype, but real long-term impact, then you’re what we’re looking for.
