88mph leverages BlackBox Connect to pull in serious and global entrepreneurs

Seed accelerator 88mph isn’t content just offering entrepreneurs funding and mentorship with its upcoming three-month acceleration programme in Nairobi. Now its sweetening the deal for startups who apply before 31 May with a chance to visit Silicon Valley for two weeks.

One lucky startup will participate in the Blackbox Connect Summer 2013, a two-week “immersion” programme for founders based outside of the USA taking place from 15-26 July in Atherton, California.

The programme is effectively an exchange: startups live and collaborate with other entrepreneurs from around the globe while based in the Atherton mansion. The two weeks will be chock full of meetings and workshops with investors, experts and executives giving a taste of the Silicon Valley ecosystem.

There’s no doubt that 88mph is leveraging BlackBox Connect to pull in more talented and serious startups into their Nairobi programme, but the accelerator will also be targeting international entrepreneurs – holding interviews across the Bay Area while its staff is in town for the event – to try and bring back global talent for the Nairobi programme.

“88mph supports startups and companies that build useful technology for Africa,” says Nikolai Barnwell, 88mph Nairobi Program Manager. “We’re looking for anyone who is interested in mobile/web in Africa to get involved, regardless of where they’re from. The more international companies and investors that we can bring to this endeavor, the better.”

Startups who apply for Nairobi through the 88mph website need to indicate their interest in going to Silicon Valley in the title of their application, and by uploading a video about why they are keen on participating in the programme.

88mph is the only Google partner operating out of Africa to join BlackBox Connect.