SEPTYS re/Start: the accelerator for tech entrepreneurs

West Africa is full of talent, ideas and entrepreneurial energy. What young startups often lack is a structured framework to move from idea to product, then from product to market. That is precisely the purpose of SEPTYS re/Start: an acceleration programme combining training, mentoring, tools and access to a complete ecosystem. Over six months, tech project founders learn to build a solid, viable and scalable company.

Intensive support over six months

The re/Start programme is built around a six-month pathway divided into phases: idea validation, building the minimum viable product (MVP), market research, sales strategy and fundraising preparation. Each startup receives individual follow-up and group workshops led by field experts.

The objective is simple: avoid the classic first-year mistakes — product-market mismatch, poorly controlled costs, lack of a clear value proposition — and accelerate time to market.

re/Start mentors are executives, startup founders and domain experts from the SEPTYS ecosystem. They share their experience, open their networks and support entrepreneurs at key moments: first contracts, recruitment and fundraising.

Direct access to the SEPTYS ecosystem

The accelerator draws on SEPTYS's ten areas of expertise. Startups thus access web and software development, branding and design, digital marketing, cybersecurity and managed IT services on preferential terms. This is a major difference from conventional programmes: the startup is surrounded by a complete digital services company capable of delivering technically.

A startup is not just an idea: it is execution, rigour and market adaptation that make the difference.

From CAD to SuñuPlaza: concrete tools

Beyond advice, re/Start provides access to concrete tools. Computer-aided design (CAD) lets hardware startups prototype their products, while e-commerce startups can distribute their offers on SuñuPlaza, the marketplace operated by the SEPTYS group. This practical dimension turns training into tangible results. This link between training, consulting and execution makes re/Start a unique programme in the sub-region.

Market research and customer validation

Before spending a single CFA franc on development, a startup must validate its target. The programme trains entrepreneurs in market research techniques, customer interviews and price testing. Decisions are based on data, not intuition: that is the key to building a sustainable economic model.

At the end of the programme, each cohort presents its projects to a jury of investors and partners. An opportunity to secure initial funding and letters of intent that accelerate growth.

• Problem and solution validation;
• MVP building;
• Acquisition strategy and pricing;
• Fundraising preparation;
• Access to the SEPTYS network and SuñuPlaza.

Who is it for?

The profiles supported by the re/Start programme.

• 1. Student entrepreneurs
• 2. Employees in career transition
• 3. Early-stage startups

SEPTYS re/Start embodies the group's conviction: innovation is born in West Africa and must find there the means to deploy. By connecting talent with skills, tools and markets, we help tomorrow's technology champions emerge.

Do you have an idea or an early-stage startup? Join the next re/Start cohort. Write to us to apply.