Benue Capital, Turkish Airlines to help startups shine globally

Benue Capital has announced a partnership with Turkish Airlines to support Uganda’s best startups on the world stage. Under this partnership, the winner of the Startup World Cup Uganda Regional Finale, scheduled for August 30, 2025, at Hive Colab, will receive a complimentary round-trip ticket to San Francisco to represent Uganda at the global finale on October 17, 2025.

Founded on May 20, 1933, Turkish Airlines began as the State Airlines Administration of Türkiye, with a humble fleet of just five aircraft and fewer than 30 employees. Over nearly a century, it has evolved into one of the largest and most respected international airlines, with a current fleet of 491 passenger and cargo aircraft, serving 353 destinations in 131 countries, making it the airline that flies to the most countries of any other. This year, Skytrax has again named it Europe’s Best Airline for the 10th time. The airline’s growth over the years, marked by fleet modernisation and expansion of its global network, has cemented its position as a leader in the aviation industry.

“As Turkish Airlines, it’s a great honour to be part of the Startup World Cup, a platform that celebrates innovation, resilience, and the bold spirit of entrepreneurship. These are values that align closely with who we are,” says Saidi Muhammad Bagoth, the Uganda Country Manager of Turkish Airlines. “Our global reach is not just about flights, it’s about connecting people, cultures, and ideas. Just as startups bridge innovation with real-world solutions, we bridge nations with opportunity.”

The Startup World Cup, organised by Pegasus Tech Ventures, is renowned as the world’s largest startup conference and pitch competition. Since its inception, the event has connected vibrant startup ecosystems across over 70 countries, culminating in a Grand Finale in San Francisco.

The competition offers a US$1 million (approx. UGX3.6 billion) investment prize to the winner, providing significant funding and global recognition. Startups compete first at regional levels; regional champions then advance to the finals, where they present their innovative ideas before a panel of investors and tech leaders. The event serves as a global platform for entrepreneurship, attracting thousands of investors, corporate executives, and media representatives each year.

In Africa, the Startup World Cup has been held in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Rwanda. For the first time, the competition will also be held in Uganda this year. Applications opened on July 5, 2025, and will run until August 20, 2025. The top 10 competitors will be announced at the regional finale on August 25, 2025.

For Uganda, this partnership is a big deal. Many startups face challenges getting noticed outside the country, especially when it comes to traveling and meeting investors. By sponsoring the trip to San Francisco, Turkish Airlines and Benue Capital are removing one big hurdle. This helps Ugandan entrepreneurs show their ideas on a global platform, find new partners, and attract investment to grow their businesses.

“This partnership sends a powerful signal that Uganda is poised to emerge as a significant player in the global innovation and entrepreneurship landscape,” says Jonathan Ntege Lubwama, the Investment Principal at Benue Capital, the organisers of the Startup World Cup in Uganda on behalf of Pegasus Tech Ventures. “ It inspires confidence and ambition among young entrepreneurs determined to make meaningful contributions both nationally and internationally.”

With the Startup World Cup Uganda Regional Finale approaching, anticipation is building across the country. Supported by Turkish Airlines, Ugandan startups now have a valuable opportunity to gain international exposure, compete at the highest level, and accelerate their growth beyond local boundaries. Simply put, this collaboration opens doors and creates pathways for success, marking a strategic step toward establishing Uganda as a leading hub for startups in East Africa.