Google 2021 Black Founders Fund Africa for African Startups

Through the Google for 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 given to Google for Startups Accelerator and Partner program alumni. This fund will be given along with mentorship support and Google platform credits to help the startups grow.

• Table of Content
• About Google
• Black Founders Fund Africa
• Aim and Benefits of Black Founders Fund Africa
• Requirements for Black Founders Fund Africa Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Google

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. Google 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 Google's core se... continue reading

Black Founders Fund Africa

Aim and Benefits of Black Founders Fund Africa

Early-stage startups with black founders or diverse founding teams operating and headquartered in Africa. 

Program Highlights

1. Non-dilutive (equity free) cash awards of up to $100,000 per startup 
2. Up to $220k in Google Ads grants and Google Cloud credits
3. Access to a network of mentors to help tackle each startup’s unique challenges

Requirements for Black Founders Fund Africa Qualification

A startup that is:

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

With a founding team that is:

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

Technical requirements:

1. 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)
2. Compatibility with Google products—our products can accelerate their growth

Application Deadline

How to Apply

The Black Founders Fund is intended for startups with self-identifying Black leaders or companies directly supporting the Black community.

We encourage established startups based in Africa who are seeking seed-stage funding to apply. Applications are open now through July 7, 2021. 

For more details, visit Google website.