216 Capital and Plug and Play Launch Venture Accelerator in Tunisia

216 Capital, in partnership with global innovation platform Plug and Play, has launched the 216 Capital Venture Accelerator to support the growth of startups in Tunisia. The six-month program will back up to 20 ventures, providing them with the tools to become investment-ready and expand into regional and international markets. Each selected startup will receive €50,000 in initial funding, with the possibility of larger follow-on investments. The program also includes tailored mentoring from international coaches, investors, and venture capitalists, alongside access to Plug and Play’s global network of investors, mentors, and corporate partners. The accelerator has been described as an important milestone in the development of Tunisia’s startup ecosystem, and aims to help founders structure their businesses, raise capital, and meet global standards. Organizers highlighted the country’s track record in producing innovations with international reach, with the program positioned to accelerate momentum and channel new investment flows into the sector. Additional objectives include mobilizing greater investment in local startups, generating new success stories with global visibility, and reinforcing Tunisia’s place as a hub for innovation across Africa and the Middle East. Backing from Smart Capital and the ANAVA fund of funds aligns the initiative with Tunisia’s national strategy to strengthen and finance its startup ecosystem.