Your companion to building Africa's Lions.
Jasiri Talent Investor is a 13-month programme that backs battle-tested African talent before the venture exists, betting on the individual pre-idea, pre-team and pre-venture, with founder-friendly capital, infrastructure and guidance from venture formation to market validation.
The proof is in theFounders
Jasiri backs founders with the intelligent capital, infrastructure and guidance to create responsibly led ventures that endure, scale and meaningfully improve lives.
Who we are looking for.
- You are determined and dedicated to creating a new and innovative business with potential for rapid growth.
- You are able to identify gaps and recognise opportunities in any sector of interest.
- You have a history of achievement, problem solving and value creation wherever you have focused your attention.
- You are highly informed and knowledgeable in your professional field or area of expertise.
- You are a team player, open to meeting and building ventures from scratch with equally ambitious co-founders within your cohort.
- You are a citizen of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana or Eswatini, residing in your respective country or in the diaspora.
- You commit to building your venture full-time and participating in all 13 months of the programme, including the three-month Residential Intensive in Cape Town.
Your 13-month journey.
Jasiri Jumpstart
Online · 1 monthDiscover your WHY, your entrepreneurial edge, and fall in love with the problem.
Residential Intensive
Cape Town · 3 monthsTeam formation, problem and opportunity identification, customer development and product development.
Venture Creation
South Africa · Up to 9 monthsLaunch your venture in South Africa with hands-on support from the Jasiri team.
How we back you.
Jasiri Jumpstart
Build clarity around your entrepreneurial edge, founding intent and the problem you want to solve.
Residential Intensive
Living support
USD 500 per month for three months.
Fully covered residence
Travel to and from Cape Town, accommodation, meals and transport.
Market validation funds
Up to USD 3,000 per team for prototyping and testing after reaching validation.
Venture Creation
Pre-seed equity investment
USD 32,700 per venture for 5% equity, disbursed in three milestone-gated tranches.
Experts and venture builders
Hands-on venture builders, coaches and vetted experts.
Partner value and credits
AWS, Notion, Perplexity and HubSpot support, plus hotdesking or a USD 60 monthly internet allowance per person.
Jasiri takes a 5% equity stake in ventures launched from the programme.
This allows us to continue backing high-potential founders. Jasiri is a non-profit organisation.
How to get in
Selection process.
Application form
Present your entrepreneurial experience, technical skillset, strengths, and track record.
Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI)
Complete an assessment of your founding intent and readiness to build.
Psychometrics and video
Upload a short video on ‘Why Jasiri, and why now’ and complete the psychometric assessment.
Selection Conference
Join a live assessment, working in groups to tackle challenges and casework alongside other top candidates.
Interviews
Join an open conversation about your evidence and entrepreneurial history.
Offer
If selected, you will receive an offer to join Cohort 3, beginning with Jasiri Jumpstart in Q2 2027.
Apply early. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applying sooner means receiving faster feedback.
The process is designed to be a valuable learning and self-discovery experience, regardless of the outcome.
Jasiri Talent Investor South Africa
Cohort 3 begins in Q2 2027.
Apply for JTI South AfricaFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
•What are the requirements of the Jasiri Talent Investor?
Applicants must be citizens of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana or Eswatini, living in their respective country or in the diaspora. You should be ready to build full-time, work with ambitious co-founders, and participate in every phase of the 13-month programme, including the mandatory three-month Residential Intensive in Cape Town. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
•What does the fully funded programme cover?
The programme covers a return flight to and from Cape Town; a monthly stipend, transport, meals and accommodation during the Residential Intensive; a prospecting grant for teams; startup capital for teams that qualify for Venture Creation; and access to coaching and industry experts.
•Do you accept applications from all nationalities?
The programme currently accepts citizens of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini who live in their respective countries or in the diaspora.
•In what currency will I receive programme funds?
All funds are disbursed in South African rand using a predetermined annual exchange rate.
•Does being selected mean I receive everything in the offer?
No. Jasiri is staged and progression is earned at every stage. Fellows advance through the Residential Intensive based on performance; validation funds unlock when a team reaches validation; and the venture creation investment is released in three milestone-gated tranches. Selection guarantees the opportunity and backing to earn each stage.
More questions? Write to enquiries@jasiri.org