Google’s Launchpad Accelerator now accepting African startups

Tech giant, Google has announced that its Launchpad Accelerator is accepting applications from African countries for the very first time. Startups from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa are eligible to apply.

The six-month programme will help entrepreneurs by means of mentorship, training and, equity-free support. The programme will also consist of a two-week all-expenses-paid training workshop at the Google headquarters in Silicon Valley.

Accepted entrepreneurs will also receive access to various Google engineers, mentors, as well as resources. The participants will also receive various marketing opportunities through Google and credits for Google products.

Some startups who apply will be asked to participate in a one-hour video conference with one of the Google team members. In some cases, face-to-face interviews will also be conducted.

Google’s Launchpad Accelerator is finally accepting entrepreneurs from African nations

“The programme is totally provided without charge for accepted startups. We will carry all expenses for all programme activities, including sending up to three of your startup’s team members to Silicon Valley,” mentioned Google in a blog post.

“We offer this programme without a requirement for financial consideration in return. Google or its affiliates participate in other efforts that involve investment in return for financial consideration (such as Google Ventures), but they are unrelated to Launchpad Accelerator,” the post continued.

According to the post, the Launchpad Accelerator aims to co-exist with accelerators and incubators, seeing that many Launchpad Accelerator Alumni have already gone through an accelerator programme before.

Applications for Class 4 of the accelerator closes at 9am on 24 April 2017.