Six South African startups have been selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Black Founders programme, securing access to ZAR1 million (US$50,000) in non-dilutive funding and up to ZAR3.6 million (US$200,000) in Google Cloud credits.
Google, which recently announced the eighth cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme and also backs African startups via its Black Founders Fund, opened applications for the programme in October, and confirmed participants at Africa Tech Festival in Cape Town last week.
Aside from the ZAR1 million (US$50,000) in grant funding and the Google Cloud credits, the selected ventures will also be provided with one-on-one training and networking with mentors.
The selected ventures include Aveade, a digital marketplace that links buyers and sellers, emphasising ease of access and a wide range of products; Breaze Delivery, a real-time delivery service that links businesses with a fleet of drivers to ensure quick and efficient deliveries; and Mapha Logistics, which empowers township, peri-urban, and rural merchants with innovative digital tools to streamline their business operations.
Also taking part are Swagshack, an online street fashion order and delivery service that serves as an intermediary between upcoming fashion brands and customers; Vuleka, an e-commerce and fintech platform that connects informal township businesses to customers through both online and offline channels; and Wisi-Oi, a video-based resell fashion platform, revolutionising the way people buy and sell pre-loved fashion.
