Third cohort of Google Black Founders Fund (BFF) for Africa now accepting applications

The third cohort of the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund (BFF) for Africa is now accepting applications. Selected firms will receive equity-free cash rewards of up to UD $150,000 as well as additional advantages.

The US $3 million Google for Startups Black Founders Fund Africa, a component of Google’s racial equity initiatives announced in June 2020, according to reports from July 2021.

During the second round, Google expanded its investment with an extra US $1 million in funding and backed 10 more founders, giving equity-free funding to 50 entrepreneurs.

Google has once more contributed US $4 million for the third batch. Selected firms will get equity-free cash rewards of up to US $150,000, US $200,000 in cloud credit, access to training, and networking opportunities with mentors.

Companies with corporate headquarters or a physical presence in Africa are eligible to apply for the Black Founders Fund. Companies should support the black community or have diverse founding teams or black entrepreneurs. The startups should be creating products for both the African market and the wider market, have the ability to expand, attract additional money, provide employment, and overall have a quantifiable impact.

“Startups are a critical driver of innovation, economic growth, and social progress, especially in Africa and 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. We encourage all eligible startups to apply,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of the startup ecosystem at Google Sub-Saharan Africa.

The deadline for applications is March 26.