Source
We recruit through open calls and Luma's networks of women's collectives, cooperatives, and diaspora founders.
Our programs
One ladder, from first traction to Series A.
Three connected platforms that find, fund, and support women-led businesses, from the first idea to Series A and beyond.
01 · Founders Accelerator
Silicon Valley method. African ground truth.
A 12-week cohort program for women founders building in energy, healthcare, or finance.
How it works
Select
100% women founders with a product already in customers' hands. Founders building in fragile settings are prioritized.
Build
Twelve weeks of Silicon Valley curriculum delivered in-region, weekly mentoring, and customer pilots with Luma partners.
Immerse
One week in Silicon Valley meeting investors, corporates, and peer founders.
Fund
Graduates are considered for pre-seed investment of $50K to $150K from our Impact Fund.
Two cohorts a year | 20 founders per cohort | 200 founders by 2031
Apply to the Accelerator →02 · Impact Fund
Patient capital for women-led companies.
A blended fund that invests in women-led and women-owned companies in energy, healthcare, and innovative finance.
For investors: The Fund brings together foundations, development finance institutions, family offices, and corporate and diaspora investors in one vehicle.
Talk to us about investing →- Targets 20 to 25 portfolio companies
- Seed investments for accelerator graduates, plus growth capital at Series Seed and A
- Focus on Africa, with a smaller share in the Caribbean
- Every investment is women-led or women-owned, with women as primary customers
- Flexible instruments including equity, SAFEs, and revenue-based finance
03 · Strategic Giving Circles
Proximity, not just philanthropy.
Circles of 20 to 50 members who pool their giving, choose where it goes, and stay close to the founders they support.
Diaspora · Faith · Corporate Women's · Silicon Valley
Start or join a circle →- A host convenes 20 to 50 members from a diaspora, faith, corporate, or alumni network
- Members give annually for three years and vote together on where funds go
- Funding supports scholarships, product design, and direct grants in fragile contexts
- Members attend pitch days, mentor founders, and see co-investment opportunities
One ladder, from savings group to Series A.
Our platforms work as a pipeline. A women's savings group grows into a cooperative, then a funded startup, then a scaled company. Giving Circle members climb too: from giver, to investor, to long-term partner.
Find your place →