The UK–Kenya Tech Hub has partnered with Viktoria Ventures, Anza Village and advisory firm POV to launch Startup 360 Connect, a new programme aimed at strengthening Kenya’s early-stage investment ecosystem by training angel investors and expanding access to startup capital.
The six-month initiative aligns with the UK–Kenya Strategic Partnership in Science, Technology and Innovation, which seeks to support high-growth startups and attract sustainable investment into Kenya’s technology sector.
At the centre of Startup 360 Connect is the Angel Leads Programme, delivered by Viktoria Ventures, which focuses on building confident, well-trained angel investors and enabling structured capital deployment into early-stage startups. Participants receive training in deal evaluation, syndication and investment execution, and are required to commit USD 1,000 each into a syndicated investment at the conclusion of the programme.
“After years of building the foundations of angel investing in Africa, this programme represents the next phase — moving from awareness to action,” said Stephen Gugu, chief executive of Viktoria Ventures.
Kenya is home to one of Africa’s most active startup ecosystems, but early-stage funding remains concentrated among a small pool of investors. Ecosystem leaders say initiatives such as Startup 360 Connect are designed to broaden participation and reduce individual risk through a syndicate-based investment model.
In addition to investor training, the programme includes a founder readiness component delivered through Startup School Kenya, led by Anza Village in partnership with the UK–Kenya Tech Hub and industry partners. The initiative supports founders in areas including governance, financial literacy, product-market validation and investor engagement.
A third pillar, led by POV through its Growth Path programme, provides founders and investors with exposure to international market entry strategies, particularly into the United Kingdom, and insight into cross-border venture capital networks.
The Angel Leads Programme will run from February to June 2026, and is open to individual and aspiring angel investors, members of investment groups, professionals formalising startup investing activities and impact-focused investors. Applications close on Jan. 30.
Organisers said Startup 360 Connect is expected to help professionalise angel investing in Kenya while strengthening links between East African and UK startup ecosystems, as demand for early-stage capital continues to grow.