• Tunisian VC firm 216 Capital has partnered with Plug and Play, Silicon Valley’s global innovation platform, to launch the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator.
• The six-month programme will support up to 20 Tunisian startups, helping them become investment-ready and scale regionally and globally.
• Each selected startup will receive $58,000 in initial funding, potential follow-on investment for top performers, tailored mentoring from international investors, VCs, and coaches, and access to Plug and Play’s global network of investors, mentors, and corporate partners.
• The programme aims at positioning Tunisia as a key innovation hub for Africa and MENA.
• The initiative is backed by Smart Capital and the ANAVA fund of funds, aligning with Tunisia’s national startup ecosystem strategy.

Press release:

Tunisia’s startup ecosystem takes a major step forward with the launch of the “216 Capital Venture Accelerator”, a programme created by leading venture capital firm 216 Capital in partnership with Silicon Valley innovation powerhouse Plug and Play.

An exclusive program dedicated to tunisian startups

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,
• Customized mentoring sessions with international coaches, investors, and venture capitalists,
• Integration into Plug and Play’s global network, providing ongoing access to investors, mentors, and corporate partners worldwide.

Shared vision for Tunisia’s innovation ecosystem

“This programme 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.

“Tunisia has already proven its ability to produce globally relevant innovations, with some of Africa’s most remarkable success stories. With this programme, we aim to accelerate that momentum by identifying high-potential startups, aligning them with global standards, and channelling 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

Driving strategic impact

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

• Mobilize greater investment in 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.

Backed by Smart Capital and the ANAVA fund of funds, this initiative supports Tunisia’s national strategy to strengthen and finance its startup ecosystem, with the ambition of transforming the country into a competitive and sustainable regional innovation hub.