Africa is a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship, with many startups that are using technology to address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges. Yet, these startups often face significant barriers to accessing capital and resources that can help them scale and grow.
According to reports, 80% of African startups fail because of poor funding. To bridge this gap and support Black-led startups in Africa, Europe, South, and North America, Google launched the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund (BFF) in 2020, a program that provides non-dilutive cash awards and technical support to selected startups.
Since then, Google has invested $7 million into 110 African startups across 10 countries, with Nigeria having the largest share of recipients.
Among the many African startups that have benefitted from the big tech giant’s funding are Cameroonian startups. While very few Cameroonian startups have made it to the list, the impact of the Black Founders Fund has been massive on these startups.
Meet the Cameroonian Startups to Benefit from Google’s BFF
Brastorne provides low-cost Internet access and digital services to rural and remote communities in Africa. It uses solar-powered Wi-Fi hotspots and offline content servers to deliver educational, health, agricultural, and entertainment content to users without requiring an Internet connection.
As one of the selected 60 beneficiaries of the fund, Brastorne received access to up to $100k in equity-free cash and an additional $200k in Google Cloud Credits.
With Google’s support, Brastorne invested in new analytics and business intelligence systems to track user behavior metrics more effectively. The startup was also able to launch operations in Cameroon and has since reached 100,000 users, proving the effectiveness of the Black Founders Fund in transforming communities and empowering entrepreneurs in Africa.
EduAir is another Cameroon-based startup to benefit from the BFF program. The startup provides offline access to digital educational content for students and teachers in low-resource settings. EduAir uses a device called EduBox that contains a Raspberry Pi and open-source homemade software that can create a Wi-Fi hotspot and broadcast educational content without requiring an Internet connection.
With Google’s support, EduAir improved its content quality and quantity, expanded its user base and revenue streams, and launched a franchise offer to allow the use of its solution in other countries.
Last year, Google selected three Cameroonian startups to benefit from its Black Founders Fund.
The three Cameroonian beneficiaries included the motorcycle ride-hailing service Bee, the digital insurance platform, Cova, and Heathlane, a medical services app launched by Cameroonian engineer Alain Nteff.
Other Cameroonian startups to benefit from the BFF program include Bongalo, a Rwanda-based startup founded in Cameroon that provides an online platform for travelers to book short-term rentals across Africa; and Infiuss Health, a health tech startup that helps connect researchers to participants for clinical trials and research across Africa.
The impact of the fund on these startups has been significant, as they have received about $100,000 in equity-free investment and $200,000 in Google Cloud Credits, as well as access to Google’s people, products, and practices. This has enabled them to scale their businesses, reach more customers, and improve their products or services.
The Google Black Founders Fund is an initiative by Google for Startups to provide non-dilutive cash awards to Black-led startups that have participated in their programs or have been nominated by their partner community. The fund aims to support racial equity and diversity in the startup ecosystem.
Since launching in 2020, the fund has since deployed $20M in funding to founders across the US, Europe, and Africa. In 2023, Google is committing $4M to support eligible Black-founded startups in Africa.
Selected founders receive between $50,000 and $100,000 in funding along with hands-on support to help their startups grow. They also get access to mentorship, training, and technical assistance from Google experts.
How to Apply for the 2023 Google Black Founders Fund
Applications for the Black Founders Fund 2023 are now open. If you own or run a Cameroonian startup, you can now apply for the 2023 cohort. Other Black founders in Africa are also encouraged to apply.
To be eligible, startups should have a technology-based product or service in the early stage or growth phase and demonstrate the potential to scale. They should also be operating and headquartered in Africa or have a legal presence on the continent.
To apply, visit the program page and learn more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply. Applications will close on March 26, 2023.
