Google this week hosted its first Google Startup Week in Lagos, its Launchpad Accelerator Africa graduates pitch for funding from some of Africa and the UK’s top venture capitalists (VCs).
The event, which also served as the graduation ceremony for the fourth class of the Launchpad Accelerator Africa programme, featured select alumni from the first three classes, fresh out of a three-month Google for Startups UK Africa Immersion Programme in London.
In partnership with Launchpad Accelerator Africa, the programme aims to connect high potential early-stage startups with the dedicated support of Google for Startups UK to help them take their startup to the next level.
“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 tackling key global social issues. This is an incredibly exciting space which is very relevant to UK ecosystem and investors,” said Marta Krupinska, head of Google for Startups UK.
Having completed their London Immersion, Launchpad Accelerator Africa alumni met with investors from the UK and Africa during Google Startup Week in Lagos to pitch for funding to take their businesses further.
Google Startup Week also saw participants from all four classes get a chance to meet, engage with each other, and share their experiences for the first time.
Class four’s startups have collectively raised US$4.3 million, created over 300 jobs, and signed up over 110,000 users. They had collectively raised in excess of US$600,000 before the programme, and have been able to use Launchpad Accelerator Africa to scale their businesses to new levels.
“We believe Africans can solve Africa’s problems,” said the programme’s head of startup success and services Fola Olatunji-David.
“In running Launchpad Accelerator Africa we specifically look to work with startups with that share this vision. Launchpad class four is tackling some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, including access to financial services, education, and agriculture.”
