Google for Startups has announced the third cohort of the
Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, a program that provides Black founders
in Africa with access to capital, resources, and mentorship to help them grow
their businesses.
The 25 startups selected
for the 2023 cohort represent a diverse range of industries and countries,
including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda. The
startups are led by a majority of women, and they are all working on innovative
solutions to some of the continent's most pressing challenges.
"We are excited to announce the third cohort of the
Google for Startups Black Founders Fund," said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of
Startup Ecosystem for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google. "These startups are working on some of the most exciting and
impactful ideas in Africa, and we are proud to support them in their journey to
success."
The Google for Startups
Black Founders Fund provides each selected startup with up to $150,000 in
non-dilutive cash awards, $200,000 in Google Cloud credits, Google Ads support,
and one-on-one mentorship from Googlers and industry experts. The program also
includes access to the Google for Startups network of mentors, investors, and
partners.
"The Google for Startups Black Founders Fund has been an
invaluable resource for our team," said Njabulo Skhosana, CEO of HealthDart, a digital health
maintenance organization (HMO) that is part of the 2023 cohort. "The funding and mentorship have helped
us to grow our business and reach more patients across Africa."
The Google for Startups
Black Founders Fund is part of Google's commitment to supporting Black
entrepreneurship in Africa. The company has also launched the Black Founders
Network, a community of Black founders and entrepreneurs in Africa, and the
Black Founders Fund for the Americas, which provides Black founders in the
Americas with access to capital and resources.
"We are committed to helping
Black founders in Africa succeed," said Aiyegbusi. "The
Google for Startups Black Founders Fund is just one way that we are working to
make that happen."
