Here are the 10 African startups selected for Microsoft-backed FAST Accelerator startup program

Flapmax, a prominent data and AI technology firm, has unveiled the twelve startups chosen for the second cohort of the FAST Accelerator program, a collaborative initiative with Microsoft aimed at bolstering and expanding Africa’s digital landscape.

After the successful completion of its 2-week Online Bootcamp, which featured over 60 tech companies engaged in rigorous online training under the guidance of seasoned mentors, the 12 startups selected for FAST Accelerator’s cohort will embark on a comprehensive 5-week acceleration program in Silicon Valley, California, commencing in October.

According to Mame-Fatou Gueye, SME Program Manager, Microsoft Africa Transformation Office, “Microsoft believes that African startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are well-positioned to become a bedrock for the African digital economy, with relevant solutions to local societal and economic challenges. Participation in the FAST Accelerator program will help these entrepreneurs capture growth opportunities and expand their market reach.”

The FAST Accelerator program attracted a remarkable response, with more than 1200 applications pouring in from 35 African countries. These applications spanned a wide array of industries, encompassing Financial Services (128 applications), Healthcare (95 applications), Agriculture (235 applications), Transportation & Logistics (60 applications), Clean Technology & Energy (57 applications), and Creative Media & Entertainment (40 applications).

The applicant pool represented a diverse spectrum of cloud-based products and services catering to businesses across Africa. These startups utilize AI to foster innovation, optimize operations, and address critical challenges within their respective sectors.

The FA23 cohort features the following startups:

• Zeeh Africa (FinTech): AI-powered open banking platform connecting businesses to financial data
• Sumundi (eCommerce) (https://Sumundi.com/): Intelligent eCommerce platform for Africa’s retail businesses
• Cotrust Equity (FinTech) : The Uber for micro-lending in Africa
• Trucki (Supply Chain) : AI-powered haulage infrastructure connecting cargo stakeholders
• Orange VFX (Creative Media) : Delivering high-quality animation and visual effects that help African businesses
• 10mg Pharma (HealthTech) : AI-driven cost savings on medications for chronic pain patients
• Wallx (FinTech) : Payment and business solution for small business owners
• Moosbu (FinTech) : Empowering SMEs with AI for sales and financing
• KCG Aquatec Fish Farming (AgTech) : Aquaculture infrastructure helping fish farmers grow their businesses sustainably
• Aibanc (FinTech) : AI-powered Banking for High Earners Not Rich Yet (HENRY)
• Zendawa Africa (HealthTech) : Enabling neighborhood pharmacies to sell online
• Greenbii (FinTech) : AI-driven asset financing and software management platform for SMEs

As from October 23, the FA23 cohort will engage in a comprehensive range of initiatives, encompassing training, AI integration, business growth, fundraising, and an array of other engagements. They will collaborate closely with Intel and Microsoft on co-innovation ventures, benefit from sales and marketing assistance, and acquire resources to enhance their market presence.

Furthermore, the Flapmax engineering team will offer guidance to startups in implementing optimized Large Language AI models (LLMs) and in the process of scaling and refining these models on Microsoft Azure and Intel platforms.