This week, Google held its first Startup Week in Lagos. The event saw Google Launchpad Accelerator Africa graduates from across Africa pitch for funding from some of Africa’s and the UK’s top venture capitalists. Additionally, Launchpad Accelerator Africa class 4 graduated from the program.
The class comprises of 12 startups from six countries, addressing six different sectors. Collectively, the 12 startups raised $4.3m, created over 300 jobs and signed up over 110, 000 users. Before the program, they had collectively raised an excess of $600,000. In addition to raising more money, Launchpad Accelerator Africa has helped them scale up their businesses.
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Fola Olatunji-David, the programme’s head of startup success and services, said, “We believe Africans can solve Africa’s problems. In running Launchpad Accelerator Africa we specifically look to work with startups with that share this vision. Launchpad Class 4 is tackling some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, including access to financial services, education, and agriculture.”
Marta Krupinska, head of Google for Startups UK, said, “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 the UK ecosystem and investors.”
All the 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. The 12 startups are Afara Partners (Nigeria), BrandBook (South Africa), Elewa (Kenya), Eversend (Uganda), OZÉ (Ghana), Phenomenal Technologies (Zimbabwe), REACH (Nigeria), Sortd (South Africa), TradeBuza (Nigeria), Tulaa (Kenya), XEND (Nigeria), and WorkPay (Kenya).
