Google selects 15 startups for Startups Accelerator Africa Class 7
Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Class 7 participants have been announced, with the selected startups set to receive mentorship and expert advice over the course of the three-month program.
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, announced in 2017, is a three-month program that connects early-stage African tech startups with the best of Google’s products, people, and advanced technology.
The seventh class consists of 15 tech startups from seven African countries, chosen from thousands of applications, with the final selection based on product stage, program alignment, and market fit.
Five of the participants are Nigerian: Clafiya, which connects patients to health practitioners on demand; iVerify.ng, a digital identity onboarding platform; MDaaS Global, which builds and operates modern, technology-enabled diagnostic services; and MDaaS Global, which builds and operates modern, technology-enabled diagnostic services;Terawork, a pan-African online freelance marketplace; and truQ, a tech-enabled logistics platform.
South Africa has three representatives: data-driven design platform Multiplied, mixed reality software development startup Nulitics, and ed-tech solution The Marking App, while Kenya has fleet management platform Fleetsimplify, virtual water network HydroIQ, and decentralized community-based commerce platform Sukhiba.
SmartClass, a Tanzanian ed-tech startup, Egyptian recruitment platform LyRise, Ridelink, a Ugandan cargo mobility platform, and LaRuche Health, an inclusive healthcare app from Ivory Coast, are the other selected startups.
These startups will 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 strategies, and more.
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programs are based on a virtual bootcamp concept that includes seminars, one-on-one coaching sessions, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. The bootcamps will be held in March, April, and May.
“We’re excited to kick off our 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.” Africa’s startups are addressing some of the region’s most pressing issues, including employment, logistics, banking, healthcare, and education. “We’re excited to be on this journey,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s head of startup ecosystem for Africa.
Over the last four years, 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 2,800 direct jobs. Google has invested $5 million during this time period through a combination of equity-free funding and product credits for Google services.
