MEST Incubator Cape Town

General information

Founded in 2008 by Meltwater Founder & CEO Jorn Lyseggen, The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) is a Pan-African training program, seed fund, incubator and tech hub for technology entrepreneurs.

Since its inception, MEST has invested over $20 million training 350+ individual entrepreneurs and over 40 tech companies have been launched via seed funding and mentorship.

Training Program:
Every year, aspiring entrepreneurs with a strong interest in technology and entrepreneurship from Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Cote d'Ivoire apply for 60 open spots at our fully sponsored, intensive 1-year training program taught by experienced global fellows.

Seed fund & incubator:
Graduates of the MEST training program pitch for $50k-$150k in seed funding to grow their businesses. Those that successfully receive investment enter the Pan-African network of incubators, with space in Accra, Lagos, Cape Town and Nairobi.

MEST incubators provide ongoing mentorship, support and resources including working space, free wifi and an experienced local staff, as well as access to the global MEST and Meltwater network, spanning Africa, Europe, Silicon Valley and Asia.

Pan-African tech community:
In addition to successfully funded graduates of the MEST training program, entrepreneurs from across Lagos and Cape Town are invited to apply to join the MEST community by renting co-working and office spaces in MEST Incubators.

Members of the MEST community are among the top entrepreneurial and tech minds on the African continent and receive access to incubator resources, events and speakers, and the global MEST network.