Google has announced a major new development, which will
provide a major boost to African entrepreneurs. In line with the commitment
Google CEO Sundar Pichai made to support African entrepreneurs earlier this
year, Google has officially announced Google Developers Launchpad Africa, the
new hands-on comprehensive mentorship program tailored exclusively to startups
based in Africa.
provide a major boost to African entrepreneurs. In line with the commitment
Google CEO Sundar Pichai made to support African entrepreneurs earlier this
year, Google has officially announced Google Developers Launchpad Africa, the
new hands-on comprehensive mentorship program tailored exclusively to startups
based in Africa.
Building on the success of Google’s global Launchpad
Accelerator programme, this initiative will operate from a new Google Launchpad
Space in Lagos (the first onsite location for the programme outside the US).
Accelerator programme, this initiative will operate from a new Google Launchpad
Space in Lagos (the first onsite location for the programme outside the US).
It will provide African startups with over $3-million in
equity-free support, working space, and access to expert advisers from Google,
Silicon Valley, and Africa over the next three years. Participants will also
receive travel and Public Relations support during the three-month programme.
equity-free support, working space, and access to expert advisers from Google,
Silicon Valley, and Africa over the next three years. Participants will also
receive travel and Public Relations support during the three-month programme.
The first application period is now open through December
11, 6pm (GMT) and the first class will start in early 2018. More classes will
be hosted in 2018 and beyond.
11, 6pm (GMT) and the first class will start in early 2018. More classes will
be hosted in 2018 and beyond.
All startups must:
- Be a technology startup.
- Be based in Sub-Saharan Africa and target the African
market.
- Have already raised seed funding
Google will additionally consider:
The problem you are trying to solve. How does it create
value for users? How are you addressing a real challenge for your home city,
country or Africa broadly?
value for users? How are you addressing a real challenge for your home city,
country or Africa broadly?
Will you share what you learn in Silicon Valley for the
benefit of other startups in your local ecosystem?
benefit of other startups in your local ecosystem?
“Anyone who spends
time in the African technology space knows that the continent is home to some
exciting innovations,” says Andy Volk, Sub-Saharan Africa Ecosystem Regional
Manager. “Over the years, Google has worked with some incredible startups
across Africa, tackling everything from healthcare, education, streamlining
e-commerce to improving the food supply chain.
time in the African technology space knows that the continent is home to some
exciting innovations,” says Andy Volk, Sub-Saharan Africa Ecosystem Regional
Manager. “Over the years, Google has worked with some incredible startups
across Africa, tackling everything from healthcare, education, streamlining
e-commerce to improving the food supply chain.
“We very much look forward to
welcoming the first cohort of innovators for Launchpad Africa and continue to
work together to drive innovation in the African market.”
welcoming the first cohort of innovators for Launchpad Africa and continue to
work together to drive innovation in the African market.”
