Estonian startup event Latitude59 has opened applications for its 2026 Kenya pitch competition, offering early-stage African founders a shot at non-equity funding and a slot on its main stage in Nairobi in December.
The contest is part of Latitude59 Kenya Edition, which returns to Nairobi for a fourth consecutive year on December 3 and 4.
Ten finalists will be picked from the applicants to receive professional pitch training and mentoring before competing on December 4 for a pool of non-equity funding and prizes from the organiser’s partners.
One start-up will also win a fast-track invitation to Latitude59 2027 in Tallinn, Estonia, with the organisers covering the cost of return travel.
“We do not restrict applicants to specific sectors, but a strong technological component and a clearly scalable business model are important,” said Krista Meinarde, Latitude59’s head of investor-startup relations.
“Ideally, we are looking for startups with a functioning MVP, clear traction, and teams that are actively fundraising,” Ms Meinarde said.
She said last year’s competition drew more than 600 start-up participants, and the organisers expect similar interest this year.
The organisers expect about 2,000 attendees at this year’s event, including 600 investors from Africa, Europe, the Nordic countries and Asia, matching last year’s turnout.
The first day will be dedicated to investor activities and side events, while the main conference will run on the second day.
Latitude59 is also expanding its African footprint, with pre-events planned in Uganda and Zambia for the first time.
Latitude59 chief executive Liisi Org said the event’s editions in Kenya and South Africa had helped build links between African start-ups and investors in Asia, Europe and the Nordic region.
“Our events in Kenya and South Africa have shown that our commitment to building bridges between Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Nordic countries creates new opportunities for startups, investors, partners, and the global ecosystem,” Ms Org said.
The competition comes as African start-ups continue to court foreign investors for early-stage capital, with events such as Latitude59 offering founders direct access to international funds.
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