Google has announced the selection of 25 inspiring African startups, for the third cohort of Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund.
The selected startups comprise different sectors, harnessing technology to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Google also highlights these startups’ innovative solutions, the fund’s commitment to Africa’s digital economy, and the significant potential they hold for the future of the African continent.
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Announcing the selection of 25 African startups for the third cohort of Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, Google for Africa wrote via a blog post,
“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today,” Franklin D. Roosevelt once said. As we announce the third cohort of the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund beneficiaries, this quote resonates deeply with us. We’ve seen firsthand how startups in Africa are embracing the limitless possibilities of tomorrow, and it’s truly inspiring.
“Africa’s population is surging, with projections indicating that by 2050, one-third of Africans will be under 35. This demographic wave offers immense opportunities for startups to cater to a booming market. From healthcare to agriculture and fintech, startups are leveraging technology to address Africa’s challenges while capitalizing on market potential”.
Nigeria dominated the list of selected startups having a total of ten (10) startups selected, Kenya had five (5) startups selected, South Africa three (3), Ghana (2), Uganda (2), Côte d’Ivoire one (1), Rwanda (1), and Senegal one (1).
This year each startup will receive up to $150,000 in non-dilutive cash awards, $200,000 in Google Cloud Credits, Google Ads support, and one-on-one mentoring from Googlers and industry experts.
Notably, 72% of the selected startups are co-led by women, which signifies the pivotal role women are playing in shaping Africa’s startup ecosystem.
Meet The 2023 Google For Startups Black Founders Fund Recipients in Africa
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): Al-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): Offers 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 the 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.
Zydii (Kenya): Localised digital training solutions for African SMEs.
It is worth noting that since its inception in 2021, the Black Founders Fund has facilitated over $205 million in investor conversations, representing a remarkable 12-fold increase.
Also, participating founders have seen a 21% rise in employment, with women filing 46% of these positions, and a notable 7% increase in monthly recurring revenue to over $6.1 million.