Grace Ashiru
A three-month hybrid accelerator program designed for Seed to Series A Black-led technology startups. This accelerator brings together the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to benefit Black founder communities across South Africa.
Applications are now open
Startups up to Series A funding are encouraged to apply.
About the Program
This cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is specifically tailored to support Black founders in South Africa. Startups will be matched with relevant Google and industry experts to help tackle their most significant challenges. Participants will also receive non-dilutive funding, insights, and best practices to enhance their products and businesses.
Key Benefits
– Equity-free support: Participants will receive support throughout the program without giving up equity.
– Mentoring: Startups will receive dedicated mentoring from Google teams.
– Training: Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google, where applicable.
– Access to experts: Participants will be connected with Google’s network of industry experts.
– Google product credits: Eligible startups will receive credits for Google products.
– Early access: Startups will gain early access to new Google products and tools, where relevant.
– Strategic support: Guidance on company and product strategy will be provided.
– Technical project partnership: Participants will work closely with Google experts to address their biggest technological challenges.
Entry Criteria
- Startups should demonstrate traction, ideally positioned between the Seed and Series A stages. They must be developing a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and a defensible growth model.
- We seek deeply technical startups, with a preference for those leveraging advanced technologies like machine learning and AI.
- It is essential for the CTO and/or other key technical roles to commit to participating and engaging in all required program sessions.
- We are dedicated to creating diverse and inclusive accelerator classes and encourage applications from qualified startups led by founders of all backgrounds.
- This program is specifically open to Black-led technology startups based in South Africa.
Key Dates
September 27, 2024: Applications Open (Add to calendar)
October 14, 2024: Applications Close (Add to calendar)
November 2024: Program Kick-off
January 2024: Graduation
January 2024: Demo Day
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will the program run?
The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa will begin in November 2024 and run until January 2025. This first cohort will feature 15 of the top Black-led South African startups.
What is the format of the program?
This hybrid accelerator will span three months, featuring digital workshops, programming, and mentorship. As part of the Google for Startups Accelerator, selected founders will identify their startup’s key technical challenges and be paired with relevant experts from Google’s network to help resolve these issues. Startups will receive in-depth mentorship focused on technical challenges, particularly in areas like data and machine learning.
Additionally, they will gain connections to teams across Google. The program includes a combination of in-person bootcamps and virtual workshops and mentoring sessions.
Who should apply to the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa?
This program is open to Black-led technology startups based in South Africa. It is ideal for Seed to Series A stage tech startups that are generating revenue and headquartered in South Africa. The founder and appropriate team members must be available to fully participate in all aspects of the cohort’s program. Startups should be leveraging AI/ML technology in their product, service, or operations, or have plans to incorporate these technologies in the future to ensure they benefit from Google’s expertise.
Do you take equity from startups who participate in this program?
No, the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is entirely free for participating startups, and Google does not take any equity.
What benefits do startups gain from participating in the program? Do they receive any financial support?
Selected startups will receive:
– Access to Google engineers, technical project partnerships, and Google product support and advice.
– Custom mentorship tailored to their needs.
– Inclusion in the Google for Startups Accelerator Global Community and its network of alumni.
– Google Cloud credits.
– Opportunities for marketing spotlights.
– Non-dilutive funding.
What are the criteria to receive product credits, and what does “eligible for product credits” mean?
Startups must meet specific requirements to qualify for Google product credits. To learn more about the eligibility criteria for Google Cloud credits, please visit the Google Cloud startup page.
