Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, said in a statement that the selected startups were working on solutions in areas such as healthcare, education, fleet management, logistics automation, and recruiting.
Aiyegbusi stated that Google is excited to kick off the seventh cohort with such a diverse and inspiring group of companies that are using technology to solve problems that many people on the continent face on a daily basis.
He stated that African startups were addressing some of the region’s most pressing issues, such as employment, logistics, banking, healthcare, and education.
Over the last four years, he claims, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has helped 82 startups from 17 African countries.
“They have raised a total of $112 million and created 2800 direct jobs. During this time, Google has invested $5 million in the form of equity-free funding and product credits for Google services.
Google is committed to Africa’s expanding startup and developer ecosystem. Providing end-to-end support and investment to startups pays off in the long run for everyone.
“As these startups grow, they help to advance local economies, create jobs and opportunities, and provide solutions in their communities.
“A stronger African economy benefits everyone, and Google is committed to assisting African businesses in flourishing,” he concluded.
According to Aiyegbusi, the class was chosen from thousands of applications, with the final decision based on product stage, program alignment, and market fit.
He stated that participants would work with Google mentors and facilitators over the next three months to learn best practices on a variety of topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, organizational culture, growth, and more.
According to him, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programs are built around a virtual Bootcamp concept that includes seminars, one-on-one coaching sessions, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Bootcamps would be held in March, April, and May, he said.
Zita Agwunobi, Chief Executive Officer of iVerify.ng, one of the selected startups, stated that as a digital identity onboarding platform based in Nigeria, iVerify.ng was overjoyed to have been chosen.
Agwunobi stated that, in the midst of the need to deploy more robust technology infrastructure and scale up operations across Africa, iVerify.ng was looking forward to the workshops and invaluable mentoring.
Balqis Chepkwony, Chief Executive Officer of Fleetsimplify Kenya, expressed his team’s delight at being chosen and stated that they “look forward to working with the Google team to bring sustainable shared mobility solutions in Africa.”
Clafiya, Nigeria; Fleetsimplify, Kenya; HydroIQ, Kenya; iVerify.ng, Nigeria; LaRuche Health, Côte d’Ivoire; and LyRise, Egypt are among the selected startups.
Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is a three-month accelerator program for African early-stage startups.
To date, the program has provided over $5 million in equity-free support to startups by bringing the best of Google’s products, people, and advanced technology. (Brand Spur)
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