Last week’s MentorPitch session brought together a group of ambitious African startup founders for an in-depth exploration of profitability. The Profitability PitchBack session, a key part of the program, encouraged entrepreneurs to analyze their startup’s financial health and present their findings in a concise pitch. It was a vital exercise designed to sharpen the participants’ understanding of their financial position and prepare them for the demands of scaling their businesses.

Founders were tasked with assessing four crucial financial areas: assets, expenses, liabilities, and revenue. In advance of the session, each participant submitted a Profitability Case Study detailing their startup’s tangible assets, a breakdown of fixed and variable costs, monthly burn rate, and fund usage, as well as their key liabilities and revenue streams. The goal was to give entrepreneurs a clear picture of their financial landscape and identify any areas where improvements could be made.

During the session, founders presented their case studies in 5-minute pitches, explaining how their businesses were performing financially and what strategies they were using to improve profitability. This exercise was not just about presenting numbers but about demonstrating a deep understanding of the financial levers that drive a business forward. Mentors provided real-time feedback, offering practical advice on how to optimize expenses, manage cash flow, and improve revenue streams. The session was an invaluable learning opportunity, with mentors sharing strategies that entrepreneurs could immediately apply to their businesses.

The MentorPitch program, run by TVC Labs and ZBAN, is designed to provide early-stage African startup founders with the mentorship and guidance needed to succeed in competitive markets. It offers a range of virtual sessions where entrepreneurs can interact with seasoned professionals and gain insights into key business areas, from product development to investment readiness. Through 12 interactive plenary sessions and personalized 1-on-1 mentorship, the program helps startups refine their business models and connect with investors who align with their growth potential.