“To create a thriving, interconnected ecosystem for entrepreneurs, where founders across DCO Member States have equal access to resources, support, and opportunities that they need to scale their innovations and drive sustainable economic growth.”
Why STRIDE
STRIDE operates through a structured, unique government-backed, private-sector driven model designed to drive entrepreneurship and innovation across DCO Member States.
The network includes:
- Entrepreneurs: Founders and team members of startups from DCO Member States
- Member State Focal Points: Government-appointed representatives who facilitate data access and bridge policy with on-the-ground implementation.
- Steering Committee: Private sector representatives and investors, to provide strategic direction and market insights.
- Thematic Working Groups: Working groups that are made up of representatives from entrepreneurs, governments, private sector and the DCO General Secretariat to operationalize initiatives and drive impact.
- Ecosystem enablers: We bring together innovation hubs, entrepreneur support organizations, accelerators, and incubators across DCO Member States.
STRIDE is not a parallel support system, but rather a collaborative mechanism that adds value to existing efforts.
How we do it:
a) We enable cross-border expansion: Supporting startups and SMEs in accessing new markets and scaling their businesses across DCO Member States.
b) We facilitate access to investments: Connecting entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, investors, and financial instruments to drive business growth.
c) We drive digital transformation: Equipping businesses with the tools, knowledge, and resources to adopt digital solutions and enhance their competitiveness.
Shape the Future of Digital Innovation
Join STRIDE and become part of a dynamic, cross-border network that drives digital entrepreneurship and innovation across DCO Member States.
Whether you are a policymaker, entrepreneur, investor, or ecosystem enabler, STRIDE provides a collaborative platform to shape policies, expand market access, and strengthen support systems that empower startups and SMEs.
Policy
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Standard of Excellence & DCO Model Startup Act
Comprehensive legal frameworks to foster entrepreneurship, promote advanced technologies, and create a dynamic business environment, addressing startup challenges.
Offers strategic insights for startups aiming to expand internationally.
DCO InvestConnect
InvestConnect opens up frontier markets to global investors through three interlinked platforms:
DealZone: A live-stage experience for high-potential startups (with MVPs or early traction) to pitch at global tech events, spark investor interest, and land strategic deals.
InvesTrek: A verified investor intelligence platform giving VCs exclusive access to a curated pipeline of vetted startups across DCO Member States.
Startup Nexus
Startup Nexus is the launchpad for growth-stage startups ready to scale across DCO Member States.
WE-Elevate
This high-impact initiative is aimed at transforming women and youth-led businesses into digital-first brands that can grow globally through the power of e-commerce.
We achieve this through a dual-track approach:
Track 1: E-commerce Readiness Program: Builds digital and entrepreneurial skills
Track 2: Trading Program: Focuses on market access by subsidizing onboarding onto e-commerce platforms
