Microsoft 4Afrika has announced the 2nd round of innovation grant winners. The seven new African startups will receive funding, technical support and mentorship to fast-track their growth and provide a roadmap to highlight what Microsoft is calling Africa’s ‘future growth pole’.
The announcement was made at the Microsoft 4Afrika Advisory Council meeting held in Nairobi and is the second round of grants to be issued under the 4Afrika innovation grant programme, following the five startups selected at the beginning of 2014.
“The world is looking for the next growth pole and Africa is positioned to be exactly that. As investors assess industries and sectors to fund, there is a keen interest in exploring the future multinational companies that will come out of Africa. These are the startups and SMEs of today, which we aim to help grow to their full potential through smart financing,” Fernando de Sousa, General Manager of Africa Initiatives at Microsoft said.
Each innovation grant winner will receive financial endowment and access to Microsoft platforms. Microsoft will also provide each startup with one-on-one mentorship.
“It is critical to provide individualised support over and above funding. All startups have different needs, speeds at which they scale and unique market challenges that require tailored, individualised support,” adds Fernando de Sousa.
Click here to view the selected Start Ups
