Programme Co-founding & Leadership
Co-founded Startup Africa Roadtrip from scratch and led its operations for five consecutive years — strategy, fundraising, curriculum design, partner relations, and on-the-ground delivery across two continents.
Co-founder · EU–Africa · Non-Profit
Startup Africa Roadtrip
Five years building an EU–Africa innovation bridge — 500+ entrepreneurs trained across Uganda, Kenya, and Italy, 3 ventures launched.
Startup Africa Roadtrip · Uganda · Kenya · Italy
Startup Africa Roadtrip was an EU–Africa innovation bridge that Francesco co-founded and led for five years. Operating across Uganda, Kenya, and Italy, the initiative delivered intensive bootcamp programmes for early-stage entrepreneurs, connecting African founders with European networks, methodologies, and mentors. Over its run, the programme supported more than 500 entrepreneurs and directly seeded 3 new ventures. It stands as one of the longest-running grassroots EU–Africa innovation initiatives of its generation.
WHAT I DID
Bootcamp Delivery
Designed and delivered intensive entrepreneurship bootcamps in Uganda and Kenya, covering business model validation, lean startup methodology, pitching, and access to finance. Adapted the curriculum each year based on participant feedback and local ecosystem needs.
Venture Incubation
Directly supported the founding and early development of 3 new ventures emerging from the programme cohorts. Provided hands-on mentoring, network introductions, and early-stage strategic advice to founding teams across Uganda, Kenya, and Italy.
Ecosystem Bridging
Connected African founders with European innovation ecosystems — facilitating introductions to investors, accelerators, and corporate partners. Ran cross-continental learning exchanges that brought Italian entrepreneurs to Uganda and African founders to Italian innovation hubs.
500+
Entrepreneurs supported
Uganda · Kenya · Italy
5
Years running
2018–2023 · 2 continents
2
Continents
Africa & Europe
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