Google has announced that for the first time, it is now accepting applications from Nigerian startups for its Launchpad Accelerator. Google said Nigerian startups can now join its six-month porgramme that provides mentorship, training and equity-free support.
A component of the initiative is a two-week Google-sponsored training work that will be held at Google Headquarters in Silicon Valley. During the programme, successful applicants will be able to access Google engineers, mentors, as well as resources. The participants will also receive various marketing opportunities through Google and credits for Google products.
Nigeria is not the only African country whose startups are now eligible to apply, Google is also opening the programme to startups from Kenya and South Africa. Google said some startups will be asked to participate in a one-hour video conference with one of the Google team members. In some cases, face-to-face interviews will also be conducted.
“The programme is totally provided without charge for accepted startups. We will carry all expenses for all programme activities, including sending up to three of your startup’s team members to Silicon Valley,” mentioned Google in a blog post.
“We offer this programme 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,” the post continued.
The aim of the Launchpad Accelerator is to co-exist with accelerators and incubators, seeing that many Launchpad Accelerator Alumni have already gone through an accelerator programme before. Applications for Class 4 of the accelerator closes at 9am on 24 April 2017.
