Building on the success of the inaugural programme, FAST Accelerator 2023 aims to offer a transformative experience for startup founders in Africa looking to scale rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 startups from over 25 countries applied to join the inaugural programme.
Microsoft has also partnered with the initiative to provide business development expertise, technology integration, funding opportunities, and community building to empower startup companies based in Africa and emerging markets to deliver sustainable solutions.
The tech giant will also provide dedicated venture funding and mentorship opportunities for firms. The top ten FAST Accelerator 2023 startup participants will be selected for a five-week programme in Silicon Valley, California, to forge relationships with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners through Flapmax’s vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.
Dr Dave Ojika, CEO of Flapmax, discussed the launch: “FAST Accelerator represents our commitment to supporting ambitious entrepreneurs who are driving sustainable innovation across the continent of Africa and emerging markets.
“Through this comprehensive programme, 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.”
“The transformative FAST Accelerator programme”
Flapmax encourages startup leaders in Africa to apply to the accelerator this month. Eligible companies will be Africa-based, prepared to scale or expand across the continent and must have demonstrated established product-market fit and revenue generation.
The FAST Accelerator is prioritising business-to-business startups for this cohort, with the areas of healthcare, fintech, edutech, as well as industrials and agtech of particular interest. Sustainability and deeptech startups are also been encouraged to apply.
Participants must be available and committed for the entire duration of the programme, which includes a two-week virtual boot camp in August 2023, followed by the five-week accelerator programme in California in October. The experience in October will offer networking and fundraising opportunities while immersing participants in the dynamic startup ecosystem of Silicon Valley.
Lekan Omotosho, co-founder and CTO of HR tech startup Pade, discussed the benefits the company received during the inaugural FAST Accelerator in 2022: “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 programme in 2022.
“The technology and business masterclasses offered through Flapmax Learn were truly exceptional, and the invaluable network of mentors and advisors has played a significant role in our growth. With the successful raise of $500,000, we are poised to scale our cutting-edge HCM solutions across the continent, catering to both SMEs and large corporations.”
