Black Founders Fund

Team photo.
U.S - Hybrid
6 months

Google for Startups Black Founders Fund: United States provides cash awards — without giving up equity in return — and hands-on support to help Black-led startups in the U.S. build and grow their businesses.

Team photo.
U.S - Hybrid
6 months

Applications are now closed

About the program

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A woman wearing a pink maxi holding mice and speaking something.

About the program

Established in 2020, the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund helps Black-led startups in Africa, Brazil, Europe, and the United States secure funding, strengthen communities, and create generational change.

In addition to equity-free cash awards, Black Founders Fund recipients receive ongoing Google mentorship, Google Cloud credits, and product support to help them navigate every stage of their startup journey.

Key benefits

  • Access to capital

    Up to $150,000 in equity-free cash will be awarded to each startup.

  • Google Cloud credits and support

    Receive Google Cloud credits and dedicated support via the Google for Startups Cloud Program.

  • Founder network

    Connect and get support from fellow founders as part of the Google for Startups alumni network.

  • Custom mentorship

    Receive tailored product and leadership support from Google mentors and industry experts.

  • Leadership training

    Become a more effective leader through research-based strategies and expert coaching.

  • Mental health & wellbeing

    Being a founder is tough. Receive therapy that can help you perform at your best.

Entry criteria

Entry criteria

  • Companies with at least one Black founder in their founding team
  • Between pre-seed and Series A
  • Seeking to raise an institutional round of funding to develop their next stage of growth
  • Building a tech-driven scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model

Meet the latest cohort

As a Founder in the Google for Startups community, you have a unique opportunity to leverage the collective thinking of Google and your fellow alumni. You also have a special responsibility to respect the culture and share with and support the community.
Mark Peterson
Founder of Ziscuit

Some of our alumni