Flapmax, an artificial intelligence (AI) company in partnership with Microsoft has announced the launch of the second FAST Accelerator program to support and fund the next generation of innovative companies and entrepreneurs on the African continent.
Building on the success of the inaugural program, the initiative combines business development, technology integration, funding opportunities, and community.
Besides, it aims to empower startups in Africa and emerging markets to deliver sustainable solutions.
More than 800 startups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural program, according to Dr. Dave Ojika, Chief Executive of Flapmax.
“FAST Accelerator represents our commitment to supporting ambitious entrepreneurs who are driving sustainable innovation across the continent of Africa and emerging markets,” said Ojika, CEO of Flapmax.
Empowering African Startups
Moreover, the program has committed to connect startup founders with a global community, industry-leading technology, and funding opportunties to forge the path towards sustainability.
“Together, we unite in building a brighter future for Africa and the world, through the transformative power of technology and innovation.”
Additionally, the initiative will also provide dedicated venture funding and invaluable mentorship opportunities.
What’s more, top ten FAST Accelerator 2023 startup participants will take a five-week program in Silicon Valley, California.
Importantly, the purpose of this is to forge relationships with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners through Flapmax’s vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.
Eligibility criteria for FAST Accelerator 2023 Startup applicants
Eligible startups must have operations in Africa, ready to scale or expand throughout the continent, and be product-market fit and revenue generation.
In addition, the program is prioritizing business-to-business startups for this cohort, in areas of healthcare, fintech, Edutech, and industrials/agritech.
Program participants must be available for the entire duration of the program, which includes a two-week virtual bootcamp in August 2023, and a five-week accelerator program in October in California.
“As a HR technology company dedicated to building world-class software solutions for businesses, we are delighted to have participated in the transformative FAST Accelerator program in 2022,” stated Lekan Omotosho, co-founder and CTO of Pade.
“At Snark Health, we are pioneering a novel approach to healthcare payment solutions, and our collaboration with FAST Accelerator has been instrumental in driving our growth,” said
Edwin Lubanga, co-founder and CTO of Snark Health. “Through FAST’s support, we have gained access to critical infrastructure, enabling us to deploy our services at scale.
With major corporate partnerships including Microsoft, Azure services and some hospitals in Kenya, the program is expecting to deliver equitable and affordable healthcare to tens of thousands of SMEs and health centers across Africa.