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Live Players · Nairobi

Live Players Mittlemann Fellowship

Hands-on work with top 1% businesses.

Apply Now↗See the program↗
Illustration of people walking toward a bright coastal future across East Africa
WhereNairobi, Kenya
WhenJune 1–September 30, 2027
Length4 months
WhoAfrican & diaspora operators, 18–35+
Overview

A four-month operating fellowship in Nairobi

For people who want high-leverage experience inside real Kenyan companies — not classroom case studies.

Too much talent is funneled into the "default" careersThe fellowship gives you a chance to change the world while building a career.
Why “Live Players”?Live player (n.)A person, group or guild who steps outside the expected role, rewrites the script and changes reality.Reality is editable. Choose your path.
In honor of the late Prof. Josef Mittlemann

The nudge that changed my life

His $5,000 grant in 2010 caused me, Kyle Schutter, to switch careers from investment banking or a PhD to entrepreneurship.

I started a biogas company in Kenya, then raised $20m in East Africa, eventually leading to Kuzana.

A small nudge at the right moment can change a life.

This fellowship exists to pay it forward.

Operators and team members at a Kuzana portfolio company feed mill
Real companies. Real operators. Real work. (at Bellfeeds, a $2m animal feed company)
The fellowship

Four months in Nairobi for young builders

01Run operations inside the Bizi
02Political economy discussions
03Operations workshops with successful founders and operators
04Complete a final project for Zanzalu
DaysEmbedded in a company doing real operating work under real constraints.
Nights&​WeekendsPolitical economy and workshops that build judgment.
Fellows and founders in a circle discussion under a canopy
Zanzalu workshop July 25-August 10 in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The work

Work that matters

Improve sales conversionBuild reporting dashboardsImprove receivables collectionOptimize hiring and onboardingCreate viral social contentLaunch new regions and depots
Operations at a Kenyan agribusiness loading bags onto a truck
Operating work inside real Kenyan businesses.
Kuzana cohort group outdoors after a session
Join a serious operator community.
Participating companies
Where fellows may workExample companies include Soya Logistics, Bellfeeds animal feed, Foke potatoes, Saint Boss interior design, Nawiri women’s fashion, Kaya manufacturing and Paycloud neobank.
The ecosystem
What is Kuzana?
  • Kuzana.co is Africa’s top accelerator for “boring” and profitable businesses
  • Launched in 2025
  • 20 Bizi — more equity investments than any other investor in that timeframe
  • Fast growth: ~3x average annual growth for bizi, Ksh 1m–25m monthly revenue
  • Goal: mint 1,000 more millionaires and reclaim the virtue of wealth creation
The intellectual spine
Operators need contextJoin Kuzana founders to discuss
?Does export manufacturing still make sense for Africa?
?What is Kenya’s elite bargain?
?Can guilds create trust?
?What should Africa copy from Korea, Singapore, China or Rwanda?
Support and structure

Enough support to do serious work

The fellowship covers the basics so you can focus on the work.

HousingLive together at The Warren startup house in Nairobi.
Stipend$1,000 monthly stipend for living costs. The Bizi also contribute toward their fellow’s stipend.
TravelTravel support to Nairobi for fellows who need it.
Daily transportDaily Uber to work so commuting is not the bottleneck.
MentorshipMentorship and expert sessions with operators and teachers who have shipped real companies.
Zanzalu capstoneComplete a final project and present it at Zanzalu.
The Warren startup house exterior and garden in Nairobi
Housing at The Warren startup house.
Who it is for

Ideal fellow profile

  • Age 18–35+
  • African or African diaspora
  • Operator-minded
  • Curious about politics and development
  • Experienced in ops, marketing, manufacturing or business
  • Ready to work inside real companies
Advisors and teachers

Built around people who know talent, startups and African execution

Indresh Salujah
Indresh SalujahCOO, Acorn Properties
Caleb Maru
Caleb MaruInvestor. Founder, Build Back Home and TechSafari
KB
Kevin BanisterCTO, LegalNia
Kuzana
KuzanaInvestors, operators and capital partners
How to apply

Ready to choose a higher-leverage path?

Step 1Apply onlineSubmit at form.kuzana.co/fellowship. Rolling Application open now.
Step 2ConversationStrong applicants are invited to talk about fit, timing, and the kind of work they can own.
Step 3PlacementAccepted fellows are matched with one of the Bizi. Final Deadline March 1st, 2027.
Apply↗Ask a question↗
FAQ

Questions applicants ask

When and where is the fellowship?

Nairobi, June 1–September 30, 2027. Four months embedded with the Bizi, Kuzana’s portfolio companies, living at The Warren.

Is this full-time?

Yes. Days are for company operations. Evenings include political economy discussions, workshops, and your Zanzalu project.

Who is it for?

African and African-diaspora operators aged 18–35+, curious about politics and development, with experience in operations, marketing, manufacturing or business, and ready to work inside real companies.

What is a Live Player?

A person, group or guild who steps outside the expected role, rewrites the script and changes reality.

What will I actually do day to day?

Run real operating work: sales follow-up, dashboards, receivables, hiring, social content, or launching new regions — depending on the company. You get real constraints and real feedback.

Which companies might I join?

Examples include Soya Logistics, Bellfeeds, Foke, Saint Boss, Nawiri, Kaya manufacturing and Paycloud. Final placement depends on fit and company needs.

What support do fellows get?

Housing at The Warren, stipend, travel to Nairobi, daily Uber to work, mentorship and expert sessions, and a Zanzalu capstone.

How do I apply?

Apply at form.kuzana.co/fellowship. Questions: info@kuzana.co.

Choose a higher-leverage path.

Do real work inside ambitious Kenyan companies.

Live Players Mittlemann Fellowship · Kuzana · Nairobi · June 1–September 30, 2027
Apply Now↗Email info@kuzana.co↗
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