Africa

South Africa - hybrid
Three months
Seed to Series A

A three-month hybrid accelerator program for Seed to Series A technology startups. The accelerator program is designed to bring the best of Google’s programs, products, people and technology to communities across South Africa.

South Africa - hybrid
Three months
Seed to Series A

Applications are now closed

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About the program

About the program

A global series of programs
Each cohort of 10-15 startups comes together to tackle 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.

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

Specialist deep dives
Accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.

Google for Startups Cloud program
Eligible participants receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, dedicated support from startup experts, technical training and access to key industry events. Find out more.

Additionally, participants are eligible to receive 30 days of free Cloud TPU access through the TPU Research Cloud program to accelerate their open-source machine learning research. Find out more.

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 qualified.

  • 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.

Entry Criteria

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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
  • We are committed to building accelerator classes with great startups, and encourage applications from all qualified startups

Key Dates

  • September 27, 2024

    Applications Open

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  • October 14, 2024

    Applications Close

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  • November, 2024

    Program Kick-off

  • January, 2025

    Graduation

  • January, 2025

    Demo Day

Accelerator Alumni

Frequently asked questions

When will the program run?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa will kick off in November 2024 and run until January 2025. The first cohort will consist of 15 top Black-led South African startups.

What is the format of the program?

The hybrid accelerator runs for a period of three months, with digital workshops, programming, 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's network of Experts to help solve those challenges. Participating startups receive deep mentorship on technical challenges with an emphasis on data and machine learning, as well as connections to relevant teams from across Google. The program will consist of in-person bootcamps and virtual workshops and mentorship.

Who should apply to the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa?

This program is open to technology startups within South Africa. The accelerator program is best suited for Seed to Series A revenue generating tech startups that are headquartered in South Africa. The founder and 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.

Do you take equity from startups who participate in this program?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is completely free for all participating startups, and Google does not take any equity.

What benefits do startups gain from participating in the program? And do they receive any financial support?

Selected startups are given:

  • Access to Google engineers, technical project partnership, Google product support and advice, custom mentorship
  • Inclusion in the Google for Startups Accelerator Global Community and network of alumni
  • Google Cloud Credits
  • Marketing spotlight opportunities
  • Non-dilutive funding
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.