Google for Startups Black Founders Fund for Africa opens applications for its second batch

The second batch of the Google for Startup Black Founders Fund for Africa has opened for applications, with 60 eligible black-founded firms poised to receive a total of $4 million in investment.

In October, fifty entrepreneurs were granted equity-free investment, and Google has stated that for the second edition, it would raise its involvement with an extra $1 million in funding and support for ten more founders. A total of $4 million will be committed to 60 qualifying black-founded enterprises across Africa.

The Black Founders Fund Africa is accessible to entrepreneurs in Botswana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe that match the eligibility requirements. While these 13 nations are the primary focus because of their vibrant tech and startup ecosystems, excellent submissions from other African countries will be evaluated as well.

Selected firms will get non-dilutive financial rewards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, as well as up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credits, training, and access to a network of mentors to help them overcome the problems that each startup faces. The deadline for applications is May 31st, and the winners will be revealed on July 29th.

“The Black Founders Fund Africa demonstrates our commitment to supporting innovation in underserved areas. Black-led tech startups face an unfair venture capital funding environment and that is why we are committed to helping them thrive, grow to be better and ensure the success of communities and economies in our region. The fund will provide cash awards and hands-on support to 60 Black-led startups in Africa, which we hope will aid in developing affordable solutions to fundamental challenges affecting those at the base of the socio-economic pyramid in Africa,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of the startup ecosystem for Sub-Saharan Africa at Google.

“We are hopeful that the support received by the black founders will enable them to grow their business and in turn drive economic growth in Africa as they create solutions and give back to their communities,”