Google opens applications for third cohort of Black Founders Fund for Startups

Tech giant Google has announced that applications for the third cohort of Black Founders Fund for Startups have opened in Africa and Europe.

Google said this was in line with its commitment to digital transformation and support to black-founded startups.

Benefitting black communities

Google said it had committed $4 million (R73M) to support eligible black-founded startups in 2023

The tech company said startups operating and headquartered in Africa or having a legal presence on the continent were 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,” Google said.

Startups critical

Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Google Sub Saharan Africa said Startups are a critical driver of innovation, economic growth and social progress especially in Africa.

“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.”

“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,” he said.

Selection

Upon selection, the startups will receive up to $150,000 (R 2.7M) equity-free cash awards and up to $200,000 (R3.7M) 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.

Google said Africa has a growing population, with 1 in 3 Africans estimated to be under 35 by 2050 and 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,” Google said.

Applications for the 2023 Black Founders Fund for Startups can be found at https://goo.gle/ApplyforBFFAfrica

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