Iceaddis

What Iceaddis does

Iceaddis, legally Iceaddis IT Consultancy PLC, operates Ethiopia's first innovation hub and tech startup incubator, founded in 2011 in Addis Ababa by Markos Lemma (CEO) and Florian Manderscheid. The organization runs a co-creation space with capacity for up to 25 co-workers and events for up to 40 persons, combined with a portfolio of structured startup support programs delivered through dedicated sub-brands: the 180-day ice180 flagship incubation (ice180.com), Jumpstart Accelerator (jumpstart.et, GIZ/BMZ-backed), Venture Meda (venturemeda.com, Mastercard Foundation and Ethiopia Ministry of Innovation and Technology), Creative Hub Ethiopia (creativehub.et), Wave Accelerator (USAID/WASH), Bimalab Accelerator (FSD Africa, insurtech), The Good Business (COVID-19 response), Ariob Incubator (ariob.io, with Input Output Global for Cardano blockchain), plus sector programs such as the Water and Sanitation Incubation Programme (Aqua for All), DiBiCoo (biogas), SAMS (apiculture), and the Green Innovation & Agritech Slam competition.

The underlying technology stack is a hybrid of human-centered design thinking facilitation and agile development methodology rather than a proprietary AI/ML engine, supported by the ice180 digital platform for monitoring startup performance, communication, and deadlines over the 180-day program. Underlying intellectual property is light (brand identity and program names), with the only patented portfolio item being a portfolio startup (Getachew & Yibralem) for sanitation engineering. No APIs, SDKs, mobile apps, or machine learning assets are disclosed.

Iceaddis earns revenue across five interlocking streams: (i) co-working subscriptions in Ethiopian Birr (280 ETB day pass through 3,800 ETB monthly startup teams pass plus pay-as-you-go meeting rooms starting 500 ETB and event venues 4,000-9,000 ETB); (ii) startup incubation and acceleration program fees/implementer margins (ice180, Jumpstart, Bimalab, Ariob, WSIP); (iii) professional consultancy services in entrepreneurship, technology development, innovation and design; (iv) event hosting and meeting room rental; and (v) project design and implementation for forward-thinking organizations, government agencies, and donor partners. GTM motion is community-led, with go-to-market driven by hackathons, business competitions, and sector-specific calls for applications rather than traditional sales. Customer base skews to early-stage Ethiopian startups (and in Ariob's case, pan-African blockchain ventures), while counterparties for revenue include international development partners (Mastercard Foundation, GIZ/BMZ, FSD Africa, Input Output, Aqua for All), Ethiopian ministries (Innovation and Technology, Agriculture), and the Agricultural Transformation Agency. Concentration on a small number of donor-funded programs is the principal revenue-side risk.

Name

Iceaddis

Legal name

Iceaddis IT Consultancy PLC

Website

https://iceaddis.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Iceaddis is Ethiopia's first innovation hub and tech startup incubator, founded in 2011 in Addis Ababa, operating a co-working space and a portfolio of incubation, acceleration, and consultancy programs for early-stage founders across blockchain, agriculture, insurance, e-commerce, water and sanitation verticals, primarily funded through international development partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Incubation and Innovation Hub Services

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Youth Business Incubators & Accelerators (EDAMAHAC)

Keywords

• Startup incubation services
• Innovation hub management
• Tech accelerator programs
• Co-working space operations
• Entrepreneurship consultancy

Headquarters

HQ city

Addis Ababa

HQ country

Ethiopia

HQ region

Africa

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Co-working Space Subscriptions: Daily, weekly, or monthly subscription plans for shared office space providing co-working place, meeting rooms, Internet connection and event facilities. Subscription tiers range from 1-day passes to 20-day packages.
2. Startup Incubation and Acceleration Programs: Flagship ice180 startup program providing 180-day support for high-potential founders to achieve investment readiness. Additional programs include Jumpstart Accelerator, Bimalab Accelerator, and sector-specific incubators.
3. Consultancy Services: Professional consultancy services in entrepreneurship, technology development, innovation and design using talent pool, tools and startups. Services include project management, program design, tech community management, and startup support programs.
4. Event Hosting and Meeting Room Rental: Professional work environment and event space hosting for up to 40 persons with catering and special equipment options.
5. Entrepreneurship Project Design and Implementation: Proven approach to entrepreneurship development with track record of building successful ventures. Sector agnostic and tech-enabled focus on Ethiopia.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Iceaddis fundamentally operates as Ethiopia's first innovation hub and tech startup incubator, delivering structured 180-day incubation (ice180), sector-specific accelerators (blockchain, insurtech, e-commerce, WASH, agritech), co-working subscriptions, hackathons, and entrepreneurship/technology consultancy for founders, corporates, NGOs, and government agencies. The organization co-creates ventures using design thinking and agile methodologies, and connects portfolio startups to international investor and mentor networks.

Product overview

Iceaddis is Ethiopia's first innovation hub and tech startup incubator established in 2011, offering a co-creation space that facilitates technological innovations and startup support. The company operates a multi-product portfolio consisting of its core flagship programs (ice180 incubation, co-working space, consultancy services, and networking), combined with specialized accelerator and incubator sub-brands (Ariob for blockchain, Venture Meda for e-commerce, Jumpstart Accelerator, Creative Hub Ethiopia, Wave Accelerator, Bimalab, and The Good Business), plus thematic programs (Water and Sanitation Incubation Programme, DiBiCoo for biogas, SAMS for beekeeping). The ecosystem also includes the Green Innovation & Agritech Slam (GIAS) competition program. These offerings work together to provide comprehensive startup support from early ideation through acceleration and growth.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ice180 Incubation Program Flagship 180-day (6-month) startup incubation program that enables high-potential individuals to start ventures with entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, and networking to achieve investment readiness. Includes a digital platform for stakeholders and startups to monitor performance, communicate, and meet deadlines.
• Co-Working Space Shared office space available on daily, weekly, or monthly subscription in Addis Ababa, offering co-working place for up to 25 persons, meeting rooms, internet connection, and event space for up to 40 persons. Pricing ranges from 280 ETB day passes to 3,800 ETB 20-day packs and 2,500 ETB monthly startup-team space.
• Consultancy Services Professional consultancy services for forward-thinking organizations, companies, and government agencies in entrepreneurship, technology development, innovation, and design. Includes project management, program design, competitions, tech community management, and startup support programs delivered via talent pool, tools, and startups.
• Networking & Partnerships Multi-partnership model working with corporates, government organizations, NGOs, companies, and individuals to unlock effective partnerships and networking that enable startups and the tech community to collaborate in projects and problem-solving activities.
• Ariob Incubator Free, 5-month, cohort-based early-stage venture support program in partnership with Input Output Global (Cardano) for African blockchain startups. Connects startups to international mentors and investors to accelerate blockchain adoption across Africa.
• Bimalab Accelerator Accelerator program launched by FSD Africa to elevate tech startups in Ethiopia, specifically focused on the insurance sector. Features immersive learning, targeted content delivery, and grant funding to support insurtech innovation.
• Venture Meda Program implemented by iceaddis in partnership with Mastercard Foundation and the Ethiopian Ministry of Innovation and Technology, aimed at creating a thriving local private sector by revitalizing high-return, high-potential e-commerce businesses.
• Creative Hub Ethiopia Sub-brand supporting creative innovators, designers, and SMEs by deepening their understanding of global design and industrial concepts, and accelerating creative ventures.
• Jumpstart Accelerator Incubator program supported by GIZ, BMZ, and iceaddis to empower Ethiopian startups to create innovative solutions and jobs, providing professional business consulting, market linkage opportunities, and seed funding.
• The Good Business Accelerator COVID-19 response programme for impact entrepreneurs based in Ethiopia, supporting ventures tackling pandemic-related challenges.
• Wave Accelerator USAID Catalyze MS4G program for early-stage businesses engaged in the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector in Ethiopia.
• Water and Sanitation Incubation Programme (WSIP) Specialized program organized in partnership with Aqua for All to provide expert support to market-oriented, early-stage water and sanitation SMEs in Ethiopia. Selected 9 ventures from over 40 applicants for mentorship and consultancy support.
• DiBiCoo (Digital Global Biogas Corporation) Cooperation project between biogas technology exporting and importing countries to support the European biogas/biomethane industry and prepare markets for sustainable biogas technologies.
• SAMS (Smart Apiculture Management Services) Project supporting business development and capacity building for beekeeping enterprises in Ethiopia, with focus on modern beehive systems and market links.
• Green Innovation & Agritech Slam (GIAS) Nationwide agricultural business competition to find innovative solutions to critical challenges of the agricultural sector, including wheat, legumes, honey value chains, and digital needs. The 2019 edition awarded over 1,000,000 Birr to 10 winners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million Birr awarded to 10 winners in Green Innovation & Agritech Slam 2019
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• STUDIOWHYminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Partnered with STUDIOWHY and TRAIDE to organize Women in Tech Hackathon focused on agricultural innovation and coffee traceability.
• TRAIDEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Partnered with STUDIOWHY and TRAIDE for Women in Tech Hackathon on agricultural innovation.
• UN WomenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Partner providing ongoing support for Women in Tech Hackathon winning teams including financial assistance and product development expertise.
• CARE EthiopiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Partner committed to providing ongoing support for Women in Tech Hackathon winning teams.
• Netherlands Ministry of Foreign AffairsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Partner committed to providing ongoing support for Women in Tech Hackathon winning teams.
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Partner organization working with Women in Tech Hackathon participants to explore solutions for agricultural insurance and traceability challenges.
• International Trade Centre (ITC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2024Partner organization collaborating on Women in Tech Hackathon solutions for agricultural insurance and traceability.
• Africa Tech SummitminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 February 2024Sabi startup from Venture Meda program represented iceaddis at Africa Tech Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, providing platform for showcasing innovation and collaboration.
• Input Output (IOG/IOHK)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Leading decentralized technology solutions provider collaborating with iceaddis on Ariob blockchain incubator program. IOG builds cryptocurrencies and blockchains for Cardano platform. Jointly launched Ariob in January 2022 as 5-month cohort-based venture support program for African blockchain startups.
• Aqua for AllcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 May 2021Partner organization providing expert support to selected water and sanitation SMEs through WSIP incubation program.
• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2019Implemented Jumpstart Accelerator program supported by GIZ and BMZ (German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development). Also co-organized Green Innovation & Agritech Slam 2019 through Green Innovation Centres project.
• Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation ACP-EU (CTA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2019Co-organized Green Innovation & Agritech Slam 2019 through AgriHack Talent Programme, supporting Ethiopian agricultural entrepreneurs with digital innovation focus.
• Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ministry of AgriculturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2019Government ministry collaborating on Green Innovation & Agritech Slam 2019, organized in collaboration with agricultural transformation initiatives.
• Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 August 2019Government agency collaborating on agricultural innovation competitions and ecosystem development.
• SlushcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 June 2016Europe's leading startup and technology event connecting startups with international investors. Iceaddis collaborated with Slush since 2013, with 5 Ethiopian startups participating in Slush Global Impact Accelerator. Partnership expanded to 20 hubs globally.
• GoogleminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 June 2016Sponsor of Barcamp Ethiopia 2016, supporting youth innovation and entrepreneurship community events.
• AfrilabscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network of innovation hubs across Africa. Iceaddis works closely with Afrilabs to promote African innovation globally and connect with continental startup ecosystem.
• Global Innovation GatheringcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational network of innovation spaces and communities. Iceaddis promotes work of innovative startups through international networking activities and partnerships.
• Goethe InstitutminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman cultural institution partnered with iceaddis to host Barcamp Ethiopia 2016 and other community events at Goethe Institut facilities.
• Ministry of Innovation and Technology (Ethiopia)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment ministry partnering with Mastercard Foundation through Venture Meda program for e-commerce ecosystem revitalization.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• iHub Nairobi: iHub is one of Africa's pioneering tech innovation hubs (founded 2010), offering co-working space, incubation, and community programs for Nairobi-based startups. It is highly comparable to Iceaddis in founding-era, mission (founder support + co-creation space), and East Africa geographic focus.
• Nailab: Nailab is a Nairobi-based startup incubator and accelerator running cohort-based programs for African founders with partner funding (e.g., Mastercard Foundation). Directly comparable to Iceaddis's ice180 and Jumpstart programs in model and East Africa footprint.
• Wennovation Hub: Wennovation Hub is a Lagos-based innovation hub and accelerator supporting early-stage African startups via cohort programs and corporate partnerships. Directly comparable to Iceaddis as an African founder-support platform with a multi-program, partner-funded operating model.
• Growth Africa: Growth Africa runs structured accelerator programs and investment readiness support for East African SMEs and startups. Comparable to Iceaddis's ice180 and Jumpstart in cohort structure and investment-readiness orientation, with overlapping East Africa target geographies.
• Bongo Hive: Bongo Hive is Zambia's leading technology and innovation hub, running incubation and acceleration programs and a co-working space in Lusaka. Comparable to Iceaddis in mission, hub-and-incubator structure, and reliance on development-partner funding for cohort programs.
• The Innovation Village (TIV): TIV is Uganda's flagship innovation and startup hub offering co-working, incubation, and acceleration programs anchored in Kampala. Comparable to Iceaddis as a single-country East African hub running multi-program incubation plus a flagship community co-working space.
• Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB): CcHUB is Africa's largest innovation hub, operating incubation, acceleration, and venture programs for tech startups across Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and beyond. It is the most directly comparable peer to Iceaddis as a pan-African innovation hub and tech incubator targeting early-stage founders with cohort-based programs and partner-funded models.
• Seedstars: Seedstars runs a global network of startup competitions and accelerator programs with strong presence across Africa and emerging markets. Comparable to Iceaddis's competition-based GTM (Green Innovation & Agritech Slam, hackathons) and accelerator model, especially via its Africa-facing verticals.

Others

• AfriLabs: AfriLabs is a pan-African network of 400+ innovation hubs across the continent. Iceaddis is itself a member/partner of AfriLabs, so it is a network orchestrator rather than a direct competitor, but it serves as the relevant ecosystem benchmark for hub-vs-hub collaboration in Africa.

Broad incumbents

• Startupbootcamp (SBC) Africa: SBC is a global accelerator operator that has run Africa-focused cohorts (including fintech in Cape Town). Comparable to Iceaddis as a global incumbent running cohort-based accelerator programs in Africa, though typically with larger capital commitments and corporate sponsors.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/iceaddis
• Facebookfacebook.com/iceaddis
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iceaddis

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Iceaddis