Google has revealed the lineup of 25 African startups that have been chosen for the third cohort of Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund. Each of these startups will receive generous support, including non-dilutive cash awards of up to $150,000, $200,000 in Google Cloud credits, Google Ads assistance, and personalized mentoring from industry experts and Googlers.
Out of the startups selected for the 2023 cohort, an impressive 18 (72%) are led or co-founded by women. Furthermore, 10 (40%) of the chosen startups are based in Nigeria, which stands out as the leading country among the participants. In terms of sectors, healthtech startups represent 6 (24%) of the cohort, with fintech closely following as the second most represented industry.
Below is a comprehensive list of the 25 startups, categorized by country:
Côte d’Ivoire
Susu: This health platform offers healthcare services and insurance funded by the African diaspora.
Ghana
BezoMoney: A digital banking platform aimed at providing financial services to Africa’s underbanked population through mobile and web platforms.
Talamus Health: A technology-focused solution addressing inefficiencies in healthcare in Africa.
Kenya
Fleetsimplify: A platform that connects gig drivers and vehicle owners to monetize their services.
Jumba: A B2B platform focused on improving Kenya’s construction sector supply chain.
Tushop: A tech platform facilitating group buying of daily essentials in Kenya.
Uzapoint: A mobile and web point-of-sale system designed to digitize bookkeeping in Africa’s informal sector.
Zydii: A localized digital training platform catering to the needs of African SMEs.
Nigeria
Akoma Health: A tech platform offering accessible and culturally conscious mental health services in Africa.
Evolve Credit: A software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that digitizes and manages banking services.
Fez Delivery: A last-mile logistics platform serving various industries.
Herconomy: A fintech startup focused on empowering women and aspiring to become Africa’s first women’s bank.
MDaaS Global: A tech-powered diagnostic center provider offering affordable healthcare services.
My Pocket Counsel: A legal tech platform specializing in contract generation and management.
Orda: A pan-African neobank catering to the restaurant industry with cloud-based software.
Periculum: A data company that assists in credit assessment and mitigating fraud and churn risks.
Raenest: A fintech company providing global financial services to freelancers and startups in Africa.
TruQ: A platform streamlining mid-mile logistics across Africa through third-party vehicle connectivity.
Rwanda
Charis UAS: This startup utilizes drone technology to provide 3D geospatial data.
Senegal
Chargel: A digital trucking platform connecting shippers and carriers in Francophone West Africa.
South Africa
Excel@Uni: A digital service that supports student funders.
HealthDart: A digital health maintenance organization (HMO) offering comprehensive health services with insurance.
Zinacare: An online platform providing accessible and affordable healthcare services.
Uganda
EzyAgric: An AI-powered mobile technology solution aimed at enhancing Africa’s farming sector.
Ridelink: An e-logistics platform that offers shipping services and real-time tracking.
These 25 startups represent a diverse range of sectors and countries across Africa, showcasing the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit thriving on the continent. Google’s support through the Black Founders Fund will undoubtedly contribute to their growth and success in the years to come.
