GreenHouse Lab announces first Africa-focused fintech accelerator

Nigeria-based GreenHouse Lab (GHL) announced the opening of applications on 12 July 2021 for its first Africa-focused fintech accelerator. Applications close on 18 July.

The accelerator was launched by GreenHouse Capital (GHC), a leading VC firm that has supported early-stage startups since its inception in 2014. The programme will run for six weeks, bringing together innovative African startups, global corporate partners and founders and investors from the continent and abroad.

GreenHouse Lab Africa Fintech Accelerator

Bunmi Akinyemiju, Founding Partner at GHC, commented on the launch in a statement, saying, “The launch of the GHL fintech accelerator marks a crucial step for the startup and venture capital industry in Africa. This programme will bring together the most innovative and exciting startups across Africa, as well as the leaders of some of Africa’s great success stories. Our goal with GHL is to create a platform for accelerating African and emerging market startups into world-class companies that can continue to compete on a global scale and attract global capital.” 

Applications close on 18 July 2021

GHL is powered by Google for Startups and has supported 15 African startups so far. Ruby Nimkar, Principal for GHC, told Ventureburn that African startups should apply to the programme because they will benefit from a wealth of operational and investing knowledge and have direct access to a world-class network of operators, investors and partners.

“The GHL fintech accelerator provides practical skills and training for young African innovators and their startups, not theoretical discussions. It presents a unique opportunity for participants to be directly mentored by a curated network of highly experienced startup founders, who have had to navigate the challenges of being a founder and building fintech in Africa. Additionally, as a venture capital investor, GHC is also able to bring its investment experience to the table, and support startups in best preparing themselves to fundraise from local and international funders,” Nimkar explained.

The accelerator will also hold virtual deal days with investors, participants will receive Amazon and Google for Startups credits and InsiderPR will host an exclusive public relations strategy session.

“GHL is facilitating an intensive multi-week program that will allow entrepreneurs to learn new skills and test their business readiness under the mentorship of leading operators, companies, and investors. This accelerator represents massive skills transfer from successful African founders, expert GHC team members, and our world-class company partners like Google for Startups, AWS, and InsiderPR. All program participants will finish the program as more experienced, knowledgeable and confident entrepreneurs than when they entered,” concluded Nimkar.

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Featured image: Austin Distel via Unsplash