Applications for SA Accelerator for black women tech founders opens

I’M IN Accelerator, a programme that focuses on early-stage tech startups founded by black women, has officially opened applications for its fourth cohort. 

 Applications are open until 5 March 2021

I’M IN Accelerator programme

The accelerator aims to produce a pipeline of investment-ready startups for follow-on capital, commercial opportunities, and market growth for the tech ecosystem. 

Selected participants will take part in the 10-month programme, receive R1,5-million in pre-seed capital, business mentorship growth, technology improvement support, and commercialisation enablement with access to markets and follow-on investment. 

 Octavius Phukubye, I’M IN Accelerator Manager explains that accelerator is on the search for boundary-pushing and innovative tech startups. 

“We are looking for exciting and disruptive technology solutions across all verticals. More importantly, we want to partner with early-stage start-up Black women founders that are obsessed with execution, are mission-driven, and very knowledgeable in their markets.” 

The accelerator recently launched a pre-accelerator programme that addresses the challenges of the existing funding gap and market access.  

Applications can be completed online. 

Requirements

To qualify for the accelerator, applicants must adhere to the following requirements: 

• Startups must have a minimum viable product 
• Must be a South African company with 51% black-ownership from a BBBEEE perspective 
• The startup must have visible traction in the market 
• The team must be committed, skilled, and have a vested interest in the long-term sustainability of the business.

Polo Leteka, Founder and Director of I’M IN Accelerator explains that the accelerator is focused on investing in black women-owned tech startups in South Africa.

“For our 2021 cohort intake, we are deliberately looking to invest in early-stage technology start-ups that are led or co-founded by Black women. We believe that there are incredibly talented Black women out there solving real problems, and deserve an investor to support their growth plans.” 

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Featured image: Christina @ wocintechchat.com via Unsplash