Young Founders Programme

The Young Founders Programme of the Westerwelle Foundation is a six-month fellowship that brings together outstanding founders from emerging countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia in Berlin. It combines a five-day in-person conference with a remote program focused on mentoring, peer learning, and expert sessions. A total of 50 participants are selected to gain valuable insights for their own growth within an international network of investors, mentors, and alumni. The project emphasizes in-depth workshops, individual sparring sessions with experienced entrepreneurs, and targeted investor introductions to optimally unlock the innovation and scaling potential of the submitted business models. Close support through a diverse community program creates space to adapt best practices through intercultural exchange and leverage synergies.

Eligible to participate are young startups headquartered in an emerging country in Latin America, Africa, or Asia that already have an initial company structure and wish to expand their business model to international markets. Proof of the founding location, an existing business plan, as well as a pitch deck and CV constitute the required application documents. Evaluation is based on the quality of the business model, the innovation and scaling potential, and the personal commitment of the founders. Submissions are expected to be possible from January, with the six-month program requiring full availability. Through the combination of practical exchange, professional consulting, and international networking, a unique opportunity arises to sustainably advance market-ready ideas.