The Westerwelle Young Founders Programme (YFP) is a six-month fellowship for 25 leaders uplifting emerging and developing markets towards a sustainable future.
About Westerwelle Foundation
The Westerwelle Foundation for International Understanding is a nonprofit organization based in Berlin, Germany. Our mission is to create equal opportunities for all by uplifting emerging markets through empowered entrepreneurship.

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Young Founders Programme Autumn
Aim and Benefits of Young Founders Programme Autumn
The Westerwelle Young Founders Programme offer targeted support to scale our founders’ ventures and develop their leadership abilities, with the following programme plan:
- Kick-Off Event: A two-day digital kick-off event will take place in mid September 2024.
- Remote Programme: From September 2024 – February 2025, the Young Founders will receive six months of support including a personal mentor, monthly peer learning sessions, monthly expert workshops and networking opportunities with corporates and investors.
- Berlin Conference: The ten best performing Young Founders will be invited to a five-day conference in Berlin in June 2025. During this conference, the founders will have the opportunity to pitch in front of investors, participate in workshops, join networking events and get insights into the German start-up scene.
Requirements for Young Founders Programme Autumn Qualification
- You are a citizen or resident of a developing or emerging country.
- You have recently (in the last five years) started a for-profit company focused on developing or emerging markets.
- Your company possesses a scalable business model that has generated revenue or secured a first round of external funding.
- You or your business possesses disruptive qualities that can increase the quality, impact or inclusiveness of the industry.
- You possess a good working knowledge of English.
- You are available to attend the digital kick-off conference and can make time to participate in programme activities for the six months.
Interview date, Process and Venue for Young Founders Programme Autumn
Timeline:
- Application deadline: Sunday, 11 August at 23:59 CET
- Interviews with shortlisted candidates: 12 – 30 August
- Notification of all applicants: Early September
Application Deadline
August 11, 2024How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Westerwelle Foundation on forms.zohopublic.eu to apply
For more details, visit Westerwelle Foundation website.