Pitch Competition Announcement: Win Funding in Nairobi

Applications open for Latitude59’s Kenyan Pitch Competition

Whether you are raising capital, building investor relationships, or looking for the right partners and networks, the places where ideas meet funding matter. Latitude59’s pitch competition announcement for Kenya brings that opportunity to Nairobi, with applications now open for the 2026 edition. 

Latitude59, the Estonia-based technology and business event, is returning to Kenya for the fourth year in a row. The Kenya Pitch Competition is open to early-stage companies from Kenya and across Africa, which can compete for non-equity funding and partner prizes, along with a place on the main stage of the Latitude59 Kenya Edition in Nairobi this December.

What applicants can win

Ten teams will be selected from all applicants to receive professional pitch training and mentoring. They will then compete on December 4 for a prize pool of non-equity funding, plus prizes from Latitude59’s partners. One winner will also receive a fast-track invitation to Latitude59 2027 in Tallinn, Estonia, with the organisers covering round-trip travel.

Who should apply

Latitude59 does not limit applicants to specific sectors. According to Krista Meinarde, its Head of Investor-Startup Relations, a strong technological component and a clearly scalable business model matter. The ideal applicant has a functioning MVP, clear traction, and a team that is actively fundraising.

Why it matters beyond the pitch stage

The event is not only for those pitching. Latitude59 Kenya Edition 2026 takes place on December 3–4. The first day is dedicated to investor activities and side events, while the conference and pitch competition follow on December 4. Across the two days, African founders, global investors, and companies operating in African and international markets will meet to exchange ideas and explore ways to scale globally.

Organisers expect around 2,000 attendees, including 600 investors from Africa, Europe, the Nordics, and Asia. For entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and anyone building in the ecosystem, that is a large concentration of potential partners and backers in one place.

Key dates

• November 2: Application deadline
• November 6–13: Top 10 teams announced
• November 16–27: Pitch training and workshops
• December 4: Final pitches on the Latitude59 main stage

A bridge between Africa and the world

Latitude59 CEO Liisi Org says the event’s editions in Kenya and South Africa have helped build links between Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Nordic countries. It is a reminder that strong networks are built before opportunities arrive, not after. The organisation is also widening its reach, with pre-events planned in Uganda and Zambia for the first time.

How to apply

Applications are made through the official application form: https://start.hopohopo.io/public/apply/d7193e19b77efbb38236dfcca456a4c6. The deadline is November 2.

Sources: Latitude59 press release (October 6, 2026).