Nigeria’s innovation economy has been geographically concentrated in Lagos. In 2025, Lagos, a state in South Western Nigeria, was named the fastest-growing tech ecosystem in the world for Y2025 by Netherlands-based research firm Dealroom.co, ahead of Istanbul, Turkey and Pune, India. Through its investment arm, the South East Investment Company (SEIC), South East Development Commission (SEDC) is deploying structured, institutional capital to unlock entrepreneurial potential in South East Nigeria. This is a $50 million blended finance Venture Capital Fund anchored by a flagship Pitch Competition that offers technology-enabled startups real investment, structured support, and a credible path to scale. This includes Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
Why the South East?
As founders migrate to Lagos (or abroad) to secure funding, the SEDC’s mandate is regional economic transformation. The South East Venture Capital Fund (SEVCP) recognises that venture capital signals institutional commitment. It attracts investors, accelerators, mentors, and ecosystem stakeholders who follow capital, creating the conditions for sustained innovation.
The fund structure: $50 million for pre-seed to early growth
