On Tuesday, June 20, Google for Startups (GfS) selected Chief Executive Officers of five Kenyan startups to benefit from the Ksh560 million (USD 4 million) Black Founders Fund.
In a statement, Google for Startups announced that five Kenyan founders were among the 25 African-based firms picked to benefit from the fund.
The Kenyan CEOs are expected to use the funds in expanding their ventures and creating employment opportunities for citizens. The money is also expected to help the founders sustain their growth and develop innovative ways of addressing different challenges compounding the country.
"The selected cohort of 40 startups from Europe and Africa includes 25 African startups that embody the diverse entrepreneurial spirit across the African continent. Startups led or co-founded by women make up 72 per cent of the group, highlighting the role women play in shaping Africa's startup ecosystem.
"The funding will provide the businesses with the capital needed to take their ventures to the next level and expand to new markets supercharging economic opportunities and job creation," Google announced.
Fleetsimplify, a monetisation startup, was among the firms selected by Google. Balqis Chepkwony is the CEO of the start-up which connects vehicle owners to ride-hailing applications and gig drivers.
Google for Startups also picked Jumba which enables construction material retailers to restock and allows real estate developers to access supplies easily.
CEO Kagure Wamunyu noted that the startup had scaled up operations in other parts of the country.
Tushop Kenya, a social commerce company connecting customers to affordable groceries and helping farmers market their products, also emerged among the 25 start-ups selected. Tushop was founded by Cathy Chepkemboi in 2021.
Uzapoint Kenya, a mobile and web enterprise resource helping medium and large enterprises to connect with their clients and automate their business, also made the cut. The CEO of Uzapoint is Abraham Mbuthia.
Zydii Kenya, a localised digital training solution for African SMEs, was also selected to benefit from the fund by Google. It was founded by Joyce Mbaya, a computer scientist.
"Each selected startup will receive up to Ksh21 million (USD 150,000) in non-dilutive cash awards and up to Ksh 28 million (USD 200,000) in Google Cloud credits," read a statement by GfS.
