This week, Google witnessed a number of Google Launchpad Accelerator Africa startups take several steps closer to achieving their goals. Class 4 of Launchpad Accelerator Africa graduated in Lagos at the first-ever Google Startup Week in Nigeria, while select Launchpad Accelerator Africa alumni had a chance to pitch for funding from some of Africa & the UK’s top venture capitalists (VCs). The event featured startups from across Africa.
The alumni, from classes 1, 2 and 3, are fresh out of a three-month Google for Startups UK Africa Immersion Programme in London. This is a 12-week immersion programme designed to bring the best of Google and the London startup ecosystem to tech companies from Africa that do not yet have a presence in the UK.
Google for Startups UK Africa, in partnership with Launchpad Accelerator Africa, aims to connect high potential early-stage startups with dedicated support to help them take their startup to the next level.
Google Launchpad Accelerator Africa focuses on working with startups that are setting out to tackle some of Africa’s biggest challenges. It’s built into the selection process. As Launchpad Accelerator Africa, we believe African companies can solve Africa’s problems, and we want to help them do that.
During Google Startup Week Lagos, the Launchpad Accelerator Africa team also celebrated the graduation of Launchpad Accelerator Africa Class 4, which comprises 12 startups from six countries, addressing six different sectors. Between them, they have raised $4.3m, created over 300 jobs and signed up over 110 000 users. These companies had collectively raised in excess of $600 000 before the programme, and have been able to use Launchpad Accelerator Africa to scale their businesses to new levels.
Every year, Africa’s economic growth continues to strengthen. Google for Startups has put its weight behind supporting the continent’s startups as they continue to build great products and tackle key global social issues. This is an incredibly exciting space, which is very relevant to UK ecosystem and investors.
Google Startup Week Lagos provided an opportunity for participants from all 4 classes get a chance to meet, engage with each other, and share their experiences for the first time.
Since Launchpad Accelerator Africa was first announced in late 2017, the programme has worked with 47 startups on their growth journey. These companies have raised millions of dollars in investments and created hundreds of jobs across the continent.
All the selected startups receive working space, and access to expert advisers from Google, Silicon Valley, and Africa. Participants also receive travel and PR support during each three-month programme.
