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 Africa’s 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.
Entrepreneurship and technology: A catalyst for employment
As South Africa grapples with persistently high unemployment, particularly among youth, entrepreneurship is emerging as a powerful driver of economic growth. According to Stats SA, the tech and IT sectors have shown notable employment growth, driven by increased demand for digital services and innovation. Programmes like the ALX Founder Academy respond directly to these trends, equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills needed to launch tech-enabled businesses that can generate employment.
“By providing early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools and mentorship they need, we are helping unlock the economic potential of Africa’s young innovators,” said Divesh Sooka, General Manager at ALX South Africa. “Our focus is on developing scalable businesses that not only succeed but also create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
Post-programme opportunities
Graduates of the Founder Academy will have the opportunity to join the ALX Ventures Accelerator Programme receiving additional mentorship and resources to scale their businesses. They may also access funding through the ALX Ventures Fund and enter a network of investors and industry leaders.
“Through the combination of mentorship, funding and hands-on learning, the Founder Academy prepares entrepreneurs to launch ventures that can thrive in the evolving tech landscape,” added Sooka. “We’re committed to building a generation of African business leaders equipped to meet the demands of a dynamic economy.”
Programme structure
The Founder Academy will offer three-day bootcamps, in-person or online, providing fast-tracked learning designed to help participants validate their startup ideas through expert-led sessions and hands-on workshops. Alternatively, learners can attend a six-week programme allowing for deeper refinement of business concepts and strategies.
Visit www.alx-ventures.com to find out more.
