A Path To Growth Building Scalable Startups

ALX, a tech training provider and career accelerator, has announced the launch of its Founder Academy bootcamps and a six-week training programme offering South African entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop their business ideas into scalable ventures. Graduates with the most promising business ideas will be invited to join the ALX ventures accelerator programme.

The Founder Academy initiative is part of the broader ALX ventures ecosystem designed to equip learners with mentorship, funding and practical business tools critical to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The announcement comes at a critical time as South Africas youth unemployment rate remains among the highest globally at 46.5, according to the latest data from Stats SA. With the development of the 4IR, there is an urgent need for programmes that foster entrepreneurship and digital skills to drive job creation and economic growth.

The Founder Academy is a comprehensive programme aimed at early-stage entrepreneurs in the ideation, prototyping or proof-of-concept phases. Learners will gain hands-on experience in developing core elements of their business including how to validate market interest in their business, drafting pitch documents and developing a sustainable business model.

With focus on practical learning and real-world application, the programme ensures learners acquire the essential tools to pursue the next stages of business growth, including investor engagement. Interested candidates may also access funding through the SAND Ventures fund and enter a network of investors and industry leaders setting them on a path to long-term success.