After seven years training developers, Web3Bridge is turning to startups
After seven years of training blockchain developers, Web3Bridge is expanding into startup incubation with a paid founder residency programme, as shrinking grants and tighter Web3 funding reshape its business model.
Web3Bridge, a Nigerian developer training organization established in 2019, is transitioning from focusing solely on blockchain engineering to incorporating startup incubation. This shift aims to address the need for businesses that can hire developers in Africa's rapidly growing Web3 and tech industry. The expansion is prompted by the decreasing availability of grants and the growing importance of creating sustainable revenue models, as noted in an email to Web3Bridge users on Thursday.
The organization plans to open a new 150-participant training cohort and a founder residency program, with registrations closing on November 28.
The new training program will cover conventional software engineering, blockchain development, Rust programming, and Zero Knowledge (ZK) development, which is crucial for building secure digital payment and identity verification systems that safeguard users' private information. In addition to on-site learning options for all tracks, the program will impart knowledge on product creation, business operations, technology-driven problem-solving, and capital raising.
Web3Bridge's expansion into startup incubation follows seven years of training developers, amidst the closure of many blockchain projects, reduced funding, and limited job opportunities for skilled engineers. The organization invested approximately ₦700 million ($520,630) in infrastructure without recouping those expenses and has become increasingly reliant on grants, which have become difficult to sustain. The founder residency program will kick off on November 12, introducing participation fees for eligible founders.
Despite the declining funding landscape, African Web3 startups raised $90.1 million across 28 deals in 2025, a 26.6% decrease from the previous year. The five largest deals accounted for 58.3% of the funding, demonstrating the concentration of investment among a select few startups and the challenges faced by emerging founders seeking capital to transform their ideas into viable businesses.
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