In March 2022, Microsoft outlined plans to support 10,000 startups across Africa through a myriad of initiatives. These initiatives incorporate providing mentors, skilling content, go-to-market and business support as well as access to Microsoft Azure and Github. This support, the company said, would be spread over the next five years.
To kickstart this commitment, Microsoft has announced a partnership with GreenHouse Labs to facilitate the acceleration of startups that are at pre-series A stage. Through this collaboration, startups will be guided into accessing new markets, technology, infrastructure and requisite skills. It will also open doors to funding opportunities, knowledge and networking forums.
The eight-week program will run from 2nd May-27th June 2022 and will be capped by a demo day session where potential investors will meet with startups founders.
Planned modules for startups include :
- Strategy & Growth
- Fundraising for Growth stage Companies
- Market Expansion & Operations
- Culture & Employee Benefits
- Marketing, PR, Communication, Sales and Business Development
- Technical Workshops
Eligibility Criteria
- Startup must be based in East or West Africa
- Best suited for start-ups that are preparing to raise a series A round
- Participants must be committed for the entire duration of the program.
Since its inception in 2014, GreenHouse Capital (GHC) has been at the forefront of supporting the fintech landscape in Africa, especially at the early stages of formation. GreenHouse has led investments in fast-rising companies such as Flutterwave, Max and Wallets.
The kind of support that African startups are experiencing will come in handy to help them blossom post Covid-19. Through commitments such as the one demonstrated by Microsoft, the budding boom of continental solution-centred startups is expected to gain momentum in the coming years.
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