ProvidusUnity Bank partners gener8tor to connect Nigerian startups with local and international investors

ProvidusUnity Bank has partnered with the US-based global accelerator gener8tor to launch Nigeria Lightning Rounds. This initiative aims to directly connect Nigerian founders with both local and international investors through focused 15-minute virtual pitch sessions.

The programme is scheduled for July 15 and will feature carefully selected startups engaging in one-on-one investment conversations facilitated through the combined networks of ProvidusUnity Bank and gener8tor. Founders from across Nigeria are encouraged to apply, with the programme open to startups and small businesses across all industries, with particular focus on fintech, healthtech, manufacturing, sustainability, and artificial intelligence.

The format is a key offering from gener8tor’s investment platform, which has connected thousands of investors and startups worldwide. Lightning Rounds aim to remove the usual delays found in early-stage fundraising, such as long email threads, cold outreach with no replies, and lengthy pitch processes. Instead, a founder meets with an interested investor for 15 minutes to discuss their project.

Ernest Elue, Head of Business Development at ProvidusUnity Bank, said the partnership addresses one of the most persistent barriers in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. “We recognise that access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria,” he said.

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“Through our partnership with gener8tor, we are creating a platform that connects promising Nigerian founders with investors who can provide the support required to scale their businesses.”

What ProvidusUnity Bank’s backing means for Nigerian founders and how to apply

ProvidusUnity Bank, recently formed from the merger of Providus Bank and Unity Bank, is swiftly establishing itself in Nigeria’s entrepreneurship ecosystem as part of its growth strategy. This involvement signals the bank’s commitment to becoming a key player in supporting local entrepreneurs.

For founders, having a Nigerian bank as a co-facilitator offers practical benefits beyond just credibility. It ensures that the initiative is part of the local financial system. The bank understands the rules, has established banking connections, and recognizes the challenges Nigerian businesses face when trying to attract capital from international investors who may not know the market well.

Gener8tor’s track record adds credibility to the initiative. During its previous Nigeria Lightning Rounds in 2025, the firm engaged 18 participating investors, facilitating a total of 50 investment meetings. This demonstrates that the format is effective in the Nigerian context and that there is genuine investor interest in the market when the appropriate structure is established.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to building equitable ecosystems and driving capital to the most promising and underrepresented entrepreneurs,” said Elizabeth Larios, Director of Lightning Rounds at gener8tor.

Founders and investors interested in participating can apply and learn more at gener8tor.com/lightning-rounds/nigeria before the July 15 event.