Google for Startups today 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."
Recipients
- Akoma Health (Nigeria): Tech platform for accessible, culturally conscious mental health services in Africa.
- BezoMoney (Ghana): Digital banking for Africa's underbanked via mobile/web platforms.
- Chargel (Senegal): Digital trucking platform connecting shippers/carriers in Francophone West Africa.
- Charis UAS (Rwanda): Provides 3D geospatial data via drone technology.
- Evolve Credit (Nigeria): SaaS for digitizing and managing banking services.
- Excel At Uni (South Africa): Supports student funders via digital services.
- EzyAgric (Uganda): AI-powered mobile technology to enhance Africa's farming sector.
- Fez Delivery (Nigeria): Last-mile logistics platform for various industries.
- Fleetsimplify (Kenya): Monetization platform connecting gig drivers & vehicle owners.
- HealthDart (South Africa): Digital HMO providing end-to-end health services with insurance.
- Herconomy (Nigeria): Female-focused fintech aiming to be Africa's first women's bank.
- Jumba (Kenya): Improving Kenya's construction sector supply chain via B2B platform.
- MDaaS Global (Nigeria): Tech-powered diagnostic centers for affordable healthcare.
- My Pocket Counsel (Nigeria): Legal tech platform for contract generation and management.
- Orda (Nigeria): Pan-African neobank for restaurants, offering cloud-based software.
- Periculum (Nigeria): Data company aiding in credit assessment, fraud/churn risk.
- Raenest (Nigeria): Fintech offering global financial services to freelancers/startups in Africa.
- Ridelink (Uganda): E-logistics platform providing shipping and real-time tracking.
- Susu (Côte d'Ivoire): Health platform providing healthcare services/insurance funded by African diaspora.
- Talamus Health (Ghana): Tech solutions targeting healthcare inefficiencies in Africa.
- TruQ (Nigeria): Streamlining mid-mile logistics across Africa with third-party vehicle connectivity.
- Tushop (Kenya): Tech platform for group buying of daily essentials in Kenya.
- Uzapoint (Kenya): Mobile/web POS for digitizing bookkeeping in Africa's informal sector.
- Zinacare (South Africa): Online platform for accessible, affordable healthcare services.
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