Activities
ABOUT
212Founders is an investment and support programme for start-ups. It aims to support high-potential entrepreneurs in the seed or acceleration phase by providing them with the financing and support they need to grow and to expand internationally.
Launched in September 2019, the programme forms part of the strategy pursued by the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG), which prioritises the development of the Moroccan entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The programme is open to all entrepreneurs, with the aim of developing start-ups on a global scale with a connection to Morocco and Africa.
Incubation (6 months), with a view to a Seed Investment Committee of up to 7 MDH
Phase 01
Incubation
Phase 02
Acceleration
Acceleration (12-18 months), in view of a Series A Investment Committee of up to 10 MDH
STAGES OF INVESTMENT
Start-ups selected by 212Founders are offered a two-step support plan, which can be adjusted to match the development status of each project:
Phase 1: Incubation (6 months), leading up to a Seed Investment Committee meeting offering up to MAD 7 million
Phase 2: Acceleration (6 months), leading up to a Series A Investment Committee meeting offering up to MAD 10 million
A complete range of services
01
Tailored, high-level support from world-class entrepreneurs and mentors
An "entrepreneur friendly" and complete financing scheme from Seed (up to 7 MDH) to Series A (up to 10 MDH)
02
03
Access to CDG's national and international network with its strategic partners (AWS, Mailjet, Hubspot, etc.)
THE PROGRAMME NOW OPERATES FROM TWO LOCATIONS:
Morocco, its historical base, and now also at Station F in France
THE PROGRAMME IS FOR ALL ENTREPRENEURS WITH AMBITIONS IN MOROCCO, AFRICA OR THE MIDDLE EAST
For high-potential Moroccan start-ups
– Enable Moroccan firms to expand internationally and target European markets
– Tap into the wealth of the tech ecosystem
– French language skills to accelerate growth
For Moroccan diaspora entrepreneurs in Europe
– Define and implement an international growth strategy aimed at Africa and the Middle East
– Tap into the competitive and strategic advantages of Morocco (tech talent, development resources, etc.)
– Access a unique seed and series A financing scheme run directly by 212Founders as well as a network of partner VC funds
– Open the door to high-potential markets in Africa and the Middle East
Travel and interaction between the two campuses will be provided during the support phase
01
Equity and quasi-equity funding of up to MAD 20 million in return for a minority equity stake in their company.
02
Pre-investment strategic support for shortlisted entrepreneurs. CDG Invest provides specialist advisors to help them firm up specific aspects of their plans, such as strategy, market positioning, go-to-market, organisational structure, governance, HR policy and drawing up the business plan.
03
Post-investment strategic and operational support. We provide one or more expert advisors to support entrepreneurs in implementing their roadmap.
Our selection and investment process
Main steps
01
Online applications
Project analysis by the programme management team
02
Discussion with the management team
Q&A on pre-identified project topics
03
Selection Committee
Project presented to the Selection Committee
04
Pre-investment support
Expert advisor made available to firm up the project
05
Investment Committee
Deliberations on investment offer and target roadmap
06
Financing and support
Investment of up to MAD 20 million and support throughout the investment period.
Support offered by CDG Invest
Overview
Pre-Investment
Post Investment
Pre-Investment
Objectives
- Firm up specific aspects of the application in order to arrive at a relevant roadmap
- Cover risk areas by identifying mitigating factors
RESOURCES
- Specialist expert advisors made available, based on the issues identified
Post Investissement
Objectifs
- Assist entrepreneurs with operational management issues in their companies
- Continuously identify potential growth drivers and risk areas
Moyens
- Business experts (operational advisory role). Presence on Board of Directors
