Black Founders

North America - Hybrid
10 weeks
Seed to Series A

Started by you. Accelerated with Google.

A 10-week digital accelerator program for high potential Seed to Series A tech startups based in the U.S. and Canada.

North America - Hybrid
10 weeks
Seed to Series A

Applications are now closed

Register your interest for future programs

Register your interest

About the program

About the program

A global series of programs

Each accelerator features a cohort of 10-15 top startups that come together to tackle specific technical challenges that can help grow their businesses through a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, and sprint projects.

Tailored, expert help

Founders outline the top technical challenges for their startup, and are then paired with relevant experts from both Google and the industry to solve those challenges and grow their business.

Specialist deep dives

In addition to mentorship and technical project support, Google for Startups Accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.

Key benefits

  • Equity-free support

    Equity-free support: For duration of program.

  • Mentoring

    Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.

  • Training

    Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.

  • Access to experts

    Access to Google's network of industry experts.

  • Google product credits

    Eligible startups receive product credits.

  • Early access

    Access to new Google products and tools as relevant.

  • Strategic support

    Support on company and product strategy.

  • Technical project partnership

    Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.

  • Founder Network

    Connect and learn from fellow founders, and access a peer-to-peer support network.

Entry Criteria

A group of people discussing something on round tables
A men is speaking something in mic while his laptop is open in front of him

Entry Criteria

  • Startups demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage.
  • Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model.
  • Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like Machine Learning and AI.
  • Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions.

Key dates

  • December 6, 2023

    Applications Open

    Add to calendar
  • February 1, 2024

    Applications Close

    Add to calendar
  • March, 2024

    Program Kick-off

  • May, 2024

    Demo Day

  • May, 2024

    Graduation

Meet the Cohort

Accelerator Alumni

Lateesha Thomas Co-Founder & CEO, Onramp Lateesha Thomas Co-Founder & CEO, Onramp

I am deeply grateful to the Google For Startups Black Founders accelerator team. I've gained tools to become a more strategic, empathetic, and impact-focused leader. And the mentorship helped our team gain insights to integrate AI/ML on our platform.

Lateesha Thomas Co-Founder & CEO, Onramp

Frequently asked questions

When will the program run?

Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders will kick-off March 2024. The cohort will consist of 10-15 U.S. and Canadian-headquartered technology startups.

What is the format of the program?

The accelerator runs for a period of 10-weeks with a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, sprint projects and mentorship. As part of the Google for Startups Accelerator, selected founders outline the top technical challenges facing their startup, and are then paired with relevant experts from Google to help solve those challenges. Participating startups receive deep mentorship on technical challenges with an emphasis on data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, as well as connections to relevant teams from across Google. Learn more.

Who should apply to the Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders program is best suited for revenue-generating Seed to Series A tech startups headquartered in the United States and Canada. Selected companies should have a minimum of 5+ employees and the founder and all appropriate team members must be available to join all program elements of their cohort.

In order to ensure Google can provide meaningful value, startups should aim to leverage AI/ML technology in their product, service or operations and/or show an interest in leveraging this technology in the future.

Does the program culminate in any final event - like a pitch competition?

At the end of the program, startups will take part in closing celebrations and Demo Day. Founders will also have the opportunity to share their startup/products with cohort-mates, Google senior leaders, members of our investor mentor network, and other teams around Alphabet. It is mandatory for each startup to participate in Demo Day and respond to audience questions.

Does Google maintain relationships with the founders who participate?

We like to follow the journey of our accelerator alumni. Upon graduation, founders will join our North American Accelerator Alumni Community with continued access to Google experts and programming.

Additionally, a big part of our accelerator programming focuses on helping founders build impactful networks, so Google mentors often continue cultivating relationships with participants after the formal accelerator program wraps. We also tap into alumni for speaking opportunities at Google or otherwise and have also asked them to return the favour and become mentors themselves.

What are the criteria to receive product credits, and what does "eligible for product credits" mean?

Startups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for Google product credit offerings. To learn more about the Google Cloud credit eligibility requirements, please visit the Google Cloud startup page.

Is the Black Founders Accelerator different from the Black Founders Fund?

Yes. These are two separate programs with different applications, focuses, and timelines. This page is dedicated to the Black Founders Accelerator, which is an equity-free 10 week program for Seed to Series-A startups. If you are interested in the Fund please visit the Google For Startups: Black Founders Fund to learn more.