iDICE Startup Bridge Growth Lab
The Growth Lab is the iDICE Startup Bridge 12-week accelerator programme designed for founders who have built an MVP and need structured support to scale. It focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals, sharpening business models, and preparing companies for external investment.
Growth Lab supports founders who already have a working product and are now focused on traction, growth, and long-term sustainability.
The programme combines structured learning, hands-on support, mentorship, and equity-based investment, delivered through a hybrid format.
Growth Lab supports founders who already have a working product and are now focused on traction, growth, and long-term sustainability.
The programme combines structured learning, hands-on support, mentorship, and equity-based investment, delivered through a hybrid format.
Who is Growth Lab For?
This programme is for founders who are no longer asking “Should I build this?” …but “How do I grow this properly?”
Growth Lab is designed for startups that:
- Have launched an MVP
- Has shown traction or strong evidence of market validation
- Are building scalable tech-enabled businesses
- Are ready to commit to an intensive growth programme
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for iDICE Startup Bridge – Growth Lab, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Founder or co-founder of a digital or tech-enabled startup
- Product is at post-MVP stage and demonstrates strong market validation
- Evidence of traction (users, pilots, revenue, partnerships, or strong demand signals)
- Business is operating in Nigeria or targeting the Nigerian market
- Founder is able to commit to a 12-week hybrid programme
- Willingness to accept equity-based investment under programme terms
Selection is competitive and based on:
Founder Experience and Credibility
Product Traction and Validation
Market Size and Opportunity
Growth potential and scalability
Programme Structure
iDICE Startup Bridge – Growth Lab runs for 12 weeks and is delivered through a hybrid model, combining virtual programming with in-person engagement. The programme includes:
01.
Remote learning and mentorship sessions
02.
Two weeks of in-person programming in Lagos, focused on deep strategy work, investor readiness, founder collaboration and peer learning
03.
Hands-on support from mentors, operators, and advisors
04.
Structured preparation for investment and scaling
Programme Focus Areas
The programme is practical, fast-paced, and designed for founders actively scaling. During the 12 weeks, startups are supported across key growth areas, including:
How Funding Works in iDICE Startup Bridge – Growth Lab
Funding is a central component of Startup Bridge – Growth Lab and is designed to support startups that are ready to scale in a structured, responsible way.
Primary Investment
Startups selected into Growth Lab receive:
- Equity-based investment of up to $100,000
(provided in Nigerian Naira at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of investment)
Investment terms, including equity structure, are shared with selected startups during onboarding.
This investment is intended to support:
- Product and technology improvement
- Market expansion and customer growth
- Team and operational scaling
- Strengthening business fundamentals for long-term growth
- Important to note
- All funding under Growth Lab is equity-based
- Additional funding is not guaranteed
- Matching funds must meet programme-defined criteria
- Funding decisions are tied to performance, readiness, and diligence outcomes
Additional Growth Capital (For Outstanding Performers)
Startups that demonstrate exceptional performance, traction, and growth potential during the programme may be eligible for:
- Additional funding of up to $250,000
subject to the following condition: The startup must be able to secure matching funds from qualified investors or partners.
This matching-fund structure is designed to enable faster and more sustainable scaling
Eligibility for this additional funding is competitive and based on:
- Demonstrated traction and growth metrics
- Quality of execution during the programme
- Ability to attract credible matching capital
- Important to note
- All funding under Growth Lab is equity-based
- Additional funding is not guaranteed
- Matching funds must meet programme-defined criteria
- Funding decisions are tied to performance, readiness, and diligence outcomes
Programme Benefits
Startups in Growth Lab receive:
01.
A structured, growth-focused accelerator programme
02.
Equity-based capital to support scaling
03.
Access to experienced mentors and operators
04.
In-person founder immersion and collaboration in Lagos
05.
Investor exposure and pitch opportunities
06.
Continued access to the iDice Startup Bridge ecosystem
What Growth Lab is and Isn’t
This programme is for founders ready to move from validation to growth.
Growth Lab Is
- An early-stage accelerator with real capital
- Designed for startups ready to scale
- Focused on execution, metrics, and outcomes
Growth Lab is not
- A grant-based initiative
- A passive learning experience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Growth Lab?
The Growth Lab is a 12-week accelerator programme under the iDICE Startup Bridge initiative—the capacity-building component of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI).
It is designed for founders who have built an MVP, have shown some traction, and need structured support to scale. It focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals, sharpening business models, and preparing companies for external investment.
Who’s eligible for Growth Lab?
Growth Lab is for startups that have a working product with some measurable traction, e.g. users, revenue, pilots, or partnerships. Ideally, your product launched less than 12 months ago.
If you are still at the idea or prototype stage, Founders Lab is the right track for you.
What counts as traction?
Traction is any verifiable evidence that customers want your product and the business is growing. Examples include any of the following:
- Active or paying users, and month-over-month growth in those numbers
- Revenue — even modest, as long as it’s real and growing
- Signed pilots or partnerships with credible organisations
- Strong demand signals such as waitlists, pre-orders, or high retention
Quality matters more than volume: 200 engaged paying customers is a stronger signal than 2,000 sign-ups who never return.
What are the stages of the selection process?
Applications go through a multi-stage screening process that starts with the online application review, involves a rigorous shortlisting and due diligence process, and ends with a final selection offer for successful candidates. Only 12 startups will be selected at the end of the process.
What commitment is required from me as a founder?
You must be able to commit to the full 12-week hybrid programme, including two weeks of in-person programming, active participation in all sessions, milestone completion, and periodic performance reporting. You must also be willing to accept equity-based investment under the programme terms.
How much funding can my startup receive?
Selected startups receive equity-based investment of up to $100,000, provided in Nigerian Naira at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of investment. Outstanding performers may additionally access up to $250,000 in additional growth capital.
How much equity does the programme take?
We invest $100,000 in exchange for 7.5% equity — the same clear, transparent terms for every startup we select, with no hidden fees. Beyond this initial investment, selected founders may qualify for additional growth capital; we’ll walk you through those terms if selected into the programme.
What is the Additional Growth Capital?
Startups that demonstrate exceptional performance, traction, and growth potential during the programme may be eligible for additional funding of up to $250,000. This matching-fund structure is designed to crowd in external capital, validate market and investor confidence, and enable faster, more sustainable scaling.
How long does Growth Lab run?
The programme runs for 12 weeks: one week of orientation, 10 weeks of virtual workshops and fireside chats, and a final week of in-person bootcamps in Lagos, closing out with a Demo Day.
Do I need to relocate to Lagos for the programme?
No. Most of the programme is delivered remotely so founders are not taken away from their businesses for extended periods. You only need to be physically present in Lagos for the two in-person weeks.The programme covers flights, accommodation, and meals for all in-person components. Selected founders are hosted in Lagos for orientation in the first week, and again for the closing bootcamp and Demo Day.
What outcomes should I expect by the end of the programme?
Participants will exit Growth Lab with:
- A refined, evidence-based growth strategy
- Strengthened financial management systems and unit economics
- Established partnerships across the Nigerian startup ecosystem
- An improved governance structure
- An investment-ready data room
- A scalable operational model
Is there an age requirement for founders?
Yes. The applicant has to be aged between 18 and 35.
What sectors does Growth Lab accept?
The Growth Lab is open to startups building scalable tech or tech-enabled businesses across any sector. This includes software products and platforms, as well as businesses that use technology as a core part of how they deliver their solution. Non-software ventures — such as biotech and hardware startups — are equally welcome, provided technology is central to the business.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the iDICE Startup Bridge website when a cohort opens. If applications are not currently open, you can join the waitlist to be notified when they do.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants typically must demonstrate:
- Deployed MVP
- Operational structure
- Financial records
- Growth strategy
What are the programme outcomes?
Participants should exit with:
- Refined growth strategy
- Strengthened financial management systems
- Clear Ecosystem Partnership
- Improved governance structure
- Investment-ready data room
- Scalable operational model
How long does Growth Lab run?
The programme runs for 12 weeks.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. Active participation and milestone completion are required
What level of reporting is required?
Participants must provide periodic performance updates and may be required to submit financial and operational data.
Can startups outside major cities apply?
Yes, all states in Nigeria are eligible to apply.
What support is provided beyond funding?
Support includes:
- Mentorship
- Technical advisory
- Business strategy sessions
- Investment preparation support
- Network access
What happens after Growth Lab?
Startups may transition into structured investment consideration, ecosystem partnerships, or advanced capital pathways.
Apply Now for Growth Lab
Eligible startups are invited to apply to iDice Startup Bridge – Growth Lab when applications open. Applications are reviewed through a multi-stage screening and due diligence process.
