Is this for you?
Who DGC is for.
You have something real
An idea with early validation, a product, first customers or early traction, and you intend to raise in the next 6 to 12 months.
You'll do the work
A module, a workbook and a check-in each week, and the documents that go into your Data Room.
You want evidence
You'd rather test your assumptions now than discover the gaps in an investor meeting.
The 12 weeks
Twelve weeks. Eight modules. One Data Room investors can trust.
Weeks 1 to 8 follow the eight POEM modules, the questions investors ask in the order they ask them. Every output goes straight into your Digital Data Room.
A week at DGC
How a week at DGC runs.
Every week follows the same rhythm, so progress shows up in the business, not just on paper.
Learn the module and prepare your workbook.
Live masterclass or specialist deep-dive with Q&A.
30-minute one-to-one accountability session with your account manager.
Advisory sessions, AI advisors and community support as needed.
Resident advisors
Three complimentary 30-minute advisory sessions with advisors matched to your sector and stage, and bookable sessions beyond that.
Meet the resident advisors →AI advisors
POEM-trained AI assistants for drafting documents, structuring business models and pricing, and checking financial logic.
Founder community
A private community for questions, peer learning, session recordings, templates and a growing knowledge base.
Ways to join
Four ways in.
Most founders apply directly to a cohort. If you are coming through a partner or your own network, tell us and we'll take it from there.
Apply to the next cohort
Apply directly for the Q1 2027 Cohort. We review applications on stage, fit and readiness starting point, and let you know the outcome before the cohort opens.
Apply for Q1 2027Sponsored by a partner network
An angel network, syndicate or accelerator you are already talking to sponsors you to complete the programme as part of their consideration process.
Tell us who's sponsoring youSponsored by your own network
An angel, accelerator or investor in your network wants structured validation before deciding, and supports you through DGC to get it.
Tell us about your sponsorReferral for sponsorship
You don't have a sponsor yet. Apply to be introduced to one of DGC's partner networks for sponsorship consideration, subject to thesis fit and availability.
Request a referralJoining through a sponsor or referral
Tell us how you'd like to join.
This goes straight to the DGC team. We reply within a few working days with next steps. Applying directly to a cohort? Use the application form instead.
- team@diaglocal.com
FAQs
Questions founders ask us.
Who is the programme for?+
Founders of African descent, based in Africa or in the diaspora, at ideation or pre-seed stage, who want to become ready for accelerator, angel or syndicate conversations. Later-stage founders are welcome to apply and we'll advise on fit.
How much time does it take each week?+
Plan for the module and workbook (a few hours), the Wednesday live session, a 30-minute Thursday check-in, and the implementation work in your startup. The more you apply, the more your Data Room fills.
Is it online?+
Yes. Learning, sessions, advisory and the founder community all run online, so founders join from anywhere.
What is a Digital Data Room?+
A structured, organised set of documents and evidence covering your Proposition, Organisation, Economics and Milestones. It is what an investor reviews during due diligence. DGC verifies it for completeness, consistency and supporting evidence.
Does DGC invest in or fund founders?+
No. DGC prepares and verifies founders and connects them with investors and partners at Demo Day. Investment decisions are made by investors on their own criteria.
What happens if I'm not ready by Demo Day?+
Founders who need more time can extend their access and continue building their Data Room with support, then present at a later Demo Day once they meet the readiness bar.
How do I apply?+
Use the Q1 2027 Cohort application form. If a partner or sponsor is bringing you in, use the form above instead so we can link your application to them.