Google has announced applications for the third cohort of Black Founders Fund for Startup opened in Africa and Euroupe in line with its commitment to digital transformation and support to black-founded startups.
This year, Google has committed $4 million to support eligible black-founded startups.
Startups operating and headquartered in Africa or having a
legal presence on the continent are eligible to apply for the Black Founders
Fund. Other eligibility criteria for startups that wish to apply are that the
business should be benefiting the black community or that early-stage startups
have black founders or diverse founding teams.
The startups should be building for Africa and the global
market, have the growth potential to raise more funding, create jobs and
generally be making measurable impact.
Upon selection, the startups will receive up to $150,000
equity-free cash awards and up to $200,000 per startup in Google Cloud credits,
support in the form of training, and access to a network of mentors to assist
in tackling the challenges unique to each startup. The applications for the
third cohort will close on 26 March, 2023.
“Startups are a critical driver of innovation, economic
growth and social progress especially in Africa and the support that the
selected startups will receive will go a long way to unlock the potential and
promote growth in the African tech ecosystem and the next generation of African
tech entrepreneurs.
We encourage all eligible startups to apply” says Folarin
Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Google Sub Saharan Africa.
Following the successful completion of two cohorts of the
Black Founders Fund, the program has supported a total of 110 black-owned
startups across Africa. 60 growth-stage startups were selected and supported
through the program last year in Africa.
Africa has a growing population with 1 in 3 Africans
estimated to be under 35 by 2050. The continent presents a huge opportunity for
startups to provide innovative solutions for the growing market. It is also
estimated that by 2025, the African
Internet economy will have the potential to add up to $180 billion to Africa’s
GDP.
By funding Black founders, Google is promoting job creation
and wealth generation in the continent. The Black Founders Fund program for
startups not only provides funding, but also hands-on support, connections and
resources to help founders build solutions that are relevant for the African
economy.
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