Google’s Launchpad Accelerator programme, which has historically helped startups in Latin America and Asia, has expanded to include Africa.
Young companies from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa may now apply for a six-month programme as well as a two-month, completely free trip to Google’s HQ in the heart of Silicon valley.
The programme will consist of access to Google’s vast supply of engineers, resources, mentors and marketing.
An estimate provided with the application states that it will take about three to four hours to complete, with two more hours needed to create a presentation and video which must accompany the completed forms. While that sounds like a large time investment, we’re sure you can agree that it’s worth it.
Make special note of the times and deadlines. This application windows closes on 24th April 2017. Decisions on which startups made the cut will be out in the middle of May, and a two-week “bootcamp” will begin for successful applicants on 17th July 2017.
All that’s left to do is read the official FAQ if you need more information. One telling entry there is this one, concerning finances:
Will Google ask for equity, debt, or other financial consideration for this opportunity?
We offer this program without a requirement for financial consideration in return. Google or its affiliates participate in other efforts that involve investment in return for financial consideration (such as Google Ventures), but they are unrelated to Launchpad Accelerator.
