Artificial intelligence (AI) company, Flapmax and Microsoft have launched the second FAST Accelerator program. The programme is designed to support and fund the next generation of innovative companies and entrepreneurs throughout the African continent. Building on the success of the inaugural program, the FAST Accelerator 2023 offers a transformative experience for startup founders seeking to scale rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 start-ups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural program.
The FAST Accelerator initiative, in collaboration with Microsoft, combines company growth, technology integration, finance opportunities, and community building to enable new businesses in Africa and emerging markets to provide sustainable solutions. Additionally, it offers essential coaching opportunities as well as committed venture funding. The top 10 startups accepted into the FAST Accelerator 2023 programme will be chosen to attend a five-week programme in Silicon Valley, California, where they will network with business leaders, potential investors, and international partners using Flapmax‘s thriving ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.
“FAST Accelerator represents our commitment to supporting ambitious entrepreneurs who are driving sustainable innovation across the continent of Africa and emerging markets,” said Dr. Dave Ojika, CEO of Flapmax. “Through this comprehensive program, we are dedicated to connecting startup founders with a global community, industry-leading technology, and the essential startup funding necessary to forge the path towards local, sustainable, and AI-powered technological solutions of the future. Together, we unite in building a brighter future for Africa and the world, fueled by the transformative power of technology and innovation.”
Startup leaders are encouraged to apply to FAST Accelerator this July. To be eligible, startups must be based in Africa, prepared to scale or expand throughout the continent, and have demonstrated established product-market fit and revenue generation. The program is prioritizing business-to-business startups for this cohort, with the areas of healthcare, fintech, Edutech, and industrials/agtech of particular interest. Sustainability and deeptech startups are also encouraged to apply.
Program participants must be available and committed for the entire duration of the program, which includes a two-week virtual bootcamp in August 2023, followed by a five-week accelerator program in October in California. The journey begins with an intensive virtual bootcamp designed to validate startup ideas, refine business models, and prepare founders for the next stage of growth. Next, the top startups are selected to join a five-week accelerator program on the ground in Silicon Valley to experience unparalleled acceleration, networking, and fundraising opportunities, while immersing themselves in the dynamic startup ecosystem of Silicon Valley.
Interested tech start-ups can click here to apply.
