Google has played and still plays an important role in the story of tech on the continent of Africa and globally. Apart from creating some solutions to problems ahead of time including the fastest and most popular search engine used globally, it has gone on to launch various programs to encourage tech solutions in Africa and other regions of the world. One of its initiatives is the Google Launchpad Accelerator Program.
Google Launchpad regional accelerators are tailored specifically to their local markets, and provide access to the best of Google – its people, network, and advanced technologies – helping startups build great products. In addition to our accelerators. It is a six-month acceleration program and elite community that includes mentorship, equity free support and access to Silicon Valley experts. Launchpad regional initiatives include exclusive events, mentorship opportunities, and training. Keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in over 40 countries around the world.
The Google Launchpad regional accelerator is for top seed-stage African startups and NOT growth-stage startups. This acceleration program is happening beyond Africa to various countries in Asia and South America such as Brazil, India, Israel and Mexico.
If you’re building a great business or product in Africa for Africa, you should apply! Launchpad Accelerator Africa accepts applications from startups located in Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Benefits
As part of all Launchpad regional accelerators, startups receive:
- Equity-free support
- Access to Google engineers and intensive mentoring from 20+ teams
- Access to Silicon Valley experts and top local mentors
- PR training and global media opportunities
- Close partnership with Google for three months (new classes are accepted twice a year)
Google Startup Community in Nigeria
Google has accelerated some of the current tech solutions we have in Nigeria through its launchpad regional acceleration program. This ranges from different aspects of tech such as agritech, fintech, edutech to media and entertainment. Some of these startups have gone on to get funding from other investors and some have rebranded their services and products to cater for more needs than they initially planned out too. I will share some of these startups and what services or products they offer:
- Delivery Science: a startup that uses mobile forms to help large organizations obtain field data. It has been rebranded to become Field Insight.
- Flutterwave: A startup that builds technology and infrastructure for digital commerce across Africa.
- Gidi Mobile Limited: A mobile learning platform that uses “mastery learning” and social gamification to help users with personal development.
- Kudi.ai: A payment for Africa through the messaging platform.
- Okadabooks: a social platform that allows users easily create, spread, and sell their stories, books or documents in a matter of minutes.
- OMG Digital: A media platform that produces hyper-local, engaging and entertaining content African millennials love to consume and share,
- Paystack: Helps businesses in Africa accept payments from their customers.
- Piggybank: This platform allows Africans to save periodically until they reach their savings target. Today, they have rebranded to become PiggyVest.
- Thrive Agric
Think you have what it takes to provide an effective and an “idea worth funding” solution to Africa’s many problems? Apply here. Africa need you!
Deadline for application: July 26, 2019.
SOURCE
Opportunities for Africans
Featured image source: Opportunities For Africans
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