Through the google Startups Black Founders Fund Africa, we are supporting early-stage Black-founded startups and startups that are benefitting the Black community on the continent.

We want to bridge the existing fundraising gap for Black startup founders in Africa’s fast-growing technology landscape.

This non-dilutive $3 million fund is allocated across a pipeline of 50 investable startups in Africa.

The fund is open to all startups that meet the criteria, with priority Startups Accelerator and Partner program alumni.

This fund will be given along with mentorship support and it`s platform credits to help the startups grow.

About Us

Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.

It is considered one of the Big Four technology companies, alongside Amazon, Apple, and Facebook. it was founded in September 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while they were Ph.D. students at Stanford University in California.

The company’s rapid growth since incorporation has triggered a chain of products, acquisitions, and partnerships beyond it`s core search engine.

It offers services designed for work and productivity (Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides), email, scheduling and time management, cloud storage (Google Drive), instant messaging and video chat (Duo, Hangouts), language translation, mapping and navigation, video sharing (YouTube), note-taking, and photo organizing and editing.

The company leads the development of the Android mobile operating system, the Chrome web browser, and Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system based on the Chrome browser. it has moved increasingly into hardware; from 2010 to 2015.

it partnered with major electronics manufacturers in the production of its Nexus devices, and it released multiple hardware products in October 2016, including the Google Pixel smartphone, Google Home smart speaker, and Google Daydream virtual reality headset. Google has also experimented with becoming an Internet carrier.

Aim and Benefits of Black Founders Fund

Each startup will receive either $50,000 or $100,000. Funding varies according to each startup’s product development stage, current needs, and how much they’ve already raised.

Requirements for Black Founders Fund Qualification

A startup that is:

• Headquartered in Africa or has a legal presence on the continent.
• Building for Africa and a global market
• Creating jobs, has growth potential to raise more funding, and making an impact.

With a founding team that is:

• Diverse, with at least one Black C-level founding member
• Directly supporting the Black community

Technical requirements:

• Technology startups with a live product in market or business where technology is core to their ability to scale (not for consultancies or not-for-profits)
• Compatibility with Google products—our products can accelerate their growth.

Application Deadline

March 26, 2023

How to Apply

ABH aims to identify, support, prepare and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their local communities, working to solve the most pressing problems, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future to be strong.

The initiative aims to be as inclusive as possible. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages who operate businesses formally registered and headquartered in an African country, and that have a 3 year-track record.

Every single year, ten finalists will be selected to compete in the ABH grand finale pitch competition and participate in a TV Show that will be broadcast online and across the continent.

The finalists compete for a share of US $1.5 million in grant money.

All finalists also join an exclusive community of likeminded entrepreneurs, business professionals, investors and mentors. In addition, they get access to training and networking opportunities to further support them on their business journey.

About African Business Heroes (ABH)

Aim and Benefits of ABH Competition

• Grant funds of up to $300 000: Our Top 10 finalists share a prize pool of $1.5 million in grants ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. The first prize takes home $300,000; The 2nd and 3rd prize winners take home $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. All other 7 finalists, take home $100,000. An additional $100,000 is allocated for training.

• Global recognition and exposure: ABH spotlight talented African entrepreneurs as finalists progress in the competition via press releases, social media, and news articles at every stage of the competition. We also provide significant exposure opportunities to the Top 10 finalists via the Africa’s Business Heroes Show, which is distributed across 40+ African countries.

• Access to an exclusive & vibrant entrepreneurship community and network: Finalists join an exclusive community of some of the most impactful and successful entrepreneurs from across the continent. ABH organizes numerous online and offline networking opportunities where these entrepreneurs can connect and collaborate.

• Mentorship from business icons: Our finalists are given access to mentorship opportunities with global business icons, investors, and business professionals both throughout the competition and afterward.

• Targeted and practical training programs: ABH community members are given access to a range of bespoke training programs including financial management, marketing Insights into your business, understanding IP law, and more. Finalists are also given the opportunity to access additional programs and services such as investment readiness and management training via our network of partners and judges.

• Insights into your business: Throughout the application process, we help our applicants strengthen their storytelling and pitching efforts via an introspective application process. this is to say, Applicants are also given feedback at each stage of the competition, and they receive advice from numerous business professionals and seasoned entrepreneurs throughout the competition.

Requirements for the ABH Competition Qualification

To apply for our competition, you should meet the following criteria:

• You’re the founder or a co-Founder.
• You’re an African citizen or the direct descendant (child/grand-child) of an African citizen.
• Your company is registered, headquartered and primarily in an African country.
• Your company has market traction and at least 3 years of revenue.

Application Deadline

May 12, 2023

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to African Business Heroes (ABH) on africabusinessheroes.org to apply.

JUMPSTARTER is a not-for-profit initiative curated by Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund that provides a platform for all entrepreneurs and young people to jump start their dreams in Hong Kong.

It is also a first-of-its-kind startup event focused exclusively on showcasing quality startups and providing high-impact networking opportunities. Our goal is to build, empower and boost Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship by bringing entrepreneurs, corporates, investors and the public together, helping to transform Hong Kong into a leading hub for global innovation and technology.

About Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund (AEF)

The Entrepreneurs Fund is a not-for-profit initiative launched by Alibaba Group in 2015 to help entrepreneurs and young graduates realize their dreams and vision. Two separate funds have been set up in Hong Kong and Taiwan respectively to support specific programs in each place.

Their goal is to build, empower and boost Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship by bringing entrepreneurs, corporates, investors and the public together, helping to transform Hong Kong into a leading hub for global innovation and technology.

Aim and Benefits of AEF JUMPSTARTER Global Pitch Competition

• Pitch to top investors & corporates
• Win a share of up to US$5 million investment and HK$1 million cash
• Gain global recognition & media exposure
• Connect with Alibaba ecosystem
• Free exhibition opportunity
• Sponsored travel to HK for the Grand Finale

Requirements for AEF JUMPSTARTER Global Pitch Competition Qualification

• Applicant must be the Founder or Co-founder of the startup.
• Startup is ideation-stage or early-stage or growth-stage. The business has been operational for less than 5 years.
• Startup must have raised less than US$20 million in funding to date.
• Startup must possess an innovative business idea or product or service, and demonstrate how your innovation and technology has impacted your business, your industry and the people.
• Startup must desire to make Hong Kong and/or other cities in the GBA be part of your future plans.

Application Deadline

May 14, 2023

How to Apply