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216 Capital Venture Accelerator by Plug and Play

Why Apply

216 Capital, in partnership with Plug and Play, has launched the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator in Tunisia—a six-month program supporting up to 20 high-potential startups with €50,000 in funding, expert mentorship, and access to a global network. Backed by Smart Capital and the ANAVA fund, the initiative aims to make Tunisian startups investment-ready and globally scalable, advancing the region’s tech ecosystem.

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“This program marks an important milestone for the Tunisian ecosystem. By joining forces with Plug and Play, we are giving local founders the tools to structure their businesses, raise capital, and access international markets.”

Dhekra Khelifi

Partner at 216 Capital

What you get

This six-month accelerator program will support up to 20 Tunisian startups on their journey to becoming investment-ready and scaling to regional and global markets.

Each startup will receive:

€50,000 in initial funding, with the possibility of larger follow-on investments for the most promising projects.

+500 1 to 1 mentors sessions.

+30 1 to 1 investor meetings.

+20 group sessions.

Access to +15 regional funds.

Integration into Plug and Play’s global network, providing ongoing access to investors, mentors, and corporate partners worldwide.

In addition to strengthening entrepreneurial skills, the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator aims to:

Mobilize greater investment into local startups through 216 Capital and Plug and Play Africa Ventures,

Position Tunisia as a key hub for innovation in Africa and the MENA region,

Inspire a new generation of success stories with global visibility.

Who can apply

Sourcing is aligned with 216 Capital Ventures investment thesis, Smart Capital’s strategic vision for the deployment of Fund II as well as Plug and Play’s expertise.

Startups operating in Tunisia
Sector-agnostic
High scalability potential

“Tunisia has already proven its ability to produce globally relevant innovations, with some of Africa’s most remarkable success stories. With this program, we aim to accelerate that momentum by identifying high-potential startups, aligning them with global standards, and channeling new investment flows into the country. Our ambition is to position Tunisia as a transregional innovation hub, bridging local talent with global opportunities.”

Yves Cabanac

Managing Director France, Benelux, Afrique at Plug and Play

Timeline

Sept-Oct 2025

Startup Selection

Application Open.

November 2025

Focus Week 1

Business and Revenue Models, Value proposition, Market Analysis ans Product6market Fit.

December 2025

Focus Week 2

Customer Journey, Growth Hacking, Go to Market strategies, Accounting, Finance and Legal Framework.

January 2026

Focus Week 3

Pitch Polishing, Investment Readiness, International Market Entry, Sales, Pricing, Lead Generation.

Feb-March 2026

Focus Week 4-5

People & Culture, Company Governance, Corporate & VC Roundtables, Circle of CEOs.

April 2026

Focus Week 6

Negotiating Investment terms, intelligent Scalling, industry specific Roundtable, Exit assessment.

Find Useful

Question & Answer

Who should apply to this program?: This is a program for tunisian founded startups, designed to identify, fund and scale promising tech-enabled startups. There’s a condition that 50% of the headcount should have a presence in Tunisia. Diaspora founders are eligible.
Do I have to relocate myself or the team to participate?: From November 2025 to April 2026, selected participants will join a six-month programme structured to help them strengthen their products, refine their strategies, and prepare for scalable deployment. Delivered mostly virtually but anchored in Tunis, the program will feature 3 in-person weeks where participants will access in-person workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions with local and international mentors and VCs, and hands-on support from Plug and Play.
What kind of post-program support is available?: Post program support, founders will benefit from continued mentorship and networking opportunities with potential investors and mentors. They will also gain exposure to Tunisia’s established entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping them build a network that could lead to future collaborations and essential resources.