As a part of the cohort, the tech startups are set to receive up to R 1 million (over $50 000) each in non-dilutive funding as well as up to R 3.6 million ($200 000) in Google Cloud credits.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa at Google, says the program is linked directly to Google’s unwavering commitment to supporting and enabling the startup ecosystem within South Africa.
“We are acutely aware of the crucial role that entrepreneurs play in the survival and sustainability of the economy and the contribution these businesses make to social development. Aside from the funding and credits they will receive, Google will also be providing one-on-one training and networking with mentors to address the unique challenges faced by each business.”
The Africa Tech Festival, which brings together over 15,000 delegates, businesses, and industry professionals, provided the perfect platform to highlight Google’s investments in the country’s Black-owned startups and its intentional drive toward systemic change, job creation, and wealth generation.
The selected startups include:
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Aveade: An online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers, with a focus on accessibility and diverse product offerings.
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Breaze Delivery: An on-demand delivery platform that connects businesses with a network of drivers to facilitate fast and efficient deliveries.
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Mapha Logistics: Empowering township, peri-urban, and rural merchants with innovative digital tools to streamline their business operations.
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Swagshack: An online street fashion order and delivery service that serves as an intermediary between upcoming fashion brands and customers.
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Vuleka: An eCommerce and fintech platform that connects informal township businesses to customers through both online and offline channels.
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Wisi-Oi: A video-based resell fashion platform, revolutionizing the way people buy and sell pre-loved fashion.
These startups are among a growing number of African businesses which are actively working to address the socio-economic needs of communities. While more needs to be done to ensure to support entrepreneurs on the continent encouraging progress has been made. This is evidenced by capital flow for startups in South Africa exceeding R3 billion for the first time in 2023.
“It’s encouraging to see the positive move toward enabling more startups within the tech ecosystem, all of which will ultimately foster digital transformation and drive inclusion and accessibility for communities across South Africa and the continent at large,”
continues Aiyegbusi.
The new cohort joins previous Accelerator and Google Black Founders Fund startups from Africa, Europe, Brazil, and the United States which have collectively received more than $30 million in funding to develop their businesses.
“We are excited to see how each of the selected businesses will use this opportunity to bridge digital gaps, break down barriers to accessibility, and ultimately ensure that digital transformation takes place across the continent and globally,”
concludes Aiyegbusi.
