By Ayo Onikoyi

Startup accelerators across Africa are drawing increased attention over how capital is allocated and how innovation is shaped within the ecosystem.

Anthony Otaigbe, founder of the e-learning platform Izesan, shared his perspective on the evolving role of accelerators, noting that their growing influence is affecting how some founders approach building their businesses.

According to him, accelerators are intended to support promising startups, but their structure has also encouraged entrepreneurs to place significant emphasis on fundraising readiness, including pitch development and alignment with popular sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and climate innovation.

Otaigbe observed that this trend reflects a broader dynamic within the funding landscape, where presentation and positioning can play a role alongside measurable performance. He added that some founders may adjust their business models to better fit investor expectations.

He further noted that certain accelerator programmes tend to support startups that align with widely adopted global models, which may influence the distribution of funding across sectors. He pointed out that areas such as agriculture, education, and infrastructure remain important for locally driven solutions.

Otaigbe also highlighted the need for greater clarity in accelerator selection processes, suggesting that improved transparency and communication could help address concerns among startup founders.

Despite these observations, he maintained that accelerators remain an important part of the innovation ecosystem and can continue to contribute positively, particularly when funding decisions are closely aligned with market realities and long-term impact.

He emphasised that strengthening collaboration between investors and founders would help ensure that innovation efforts are both sustainable and responsive to local needs.