Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola is making waves in the African tech scene by launching Go Time AI, an accelerator program under his venture studio Resilience17.
This project, launched on Monday, aimed to assist African AI startups get funding and mentorship.
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Closing the AI gap in Africa
Resilience17, which rebranded from Berrywood, is committed to supporting African innovators by providing up to $200,000 in funding for selected startups and essential mentorship.
The accelerator started its first cohort in early 2024, featuring five startups already making strides with AI-driven solutions.
These include Catlog, an AI chatbot for sales management; Sahel AI, which automates legal contract reviews; Tyms, an accounting software; AI Teacha, an educational tool; and FriendNPal, a mental health companion app.
Hasan Luongo, General Partner at Resilience17, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s role as a technology hub, stating, “Despite challenges acutely highlighted in 2024, Nigeria is poised to continue leading as a global technology hub. We launched Go Time AI to prove this thesis”.
The program offers participants financial support and access to cloud computing credits and API services, which are crucial for developing and scaling their products.
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Support structure and mentorship
The Go Time AI accelerator adopts a flexible approach, allowing startups to join without a fixed cohort size. This adaptability enables the program to continuously cater to emerging talents. Each startup begins with an initial investment of $25,000, with potential follow-up funding based on their progress.
In addition to financial backing, the accelerator provides a structured four-month mentorship program where founders engage in regular “Office Hours” with industry experts. These sessions focus on critical aspects such as product development and growth strategies.
Luongo emphasised the program’s goal: “Our aim was not to teach founders how to run a company but specifically narrow the focus on what we see as the most important things any early-stage company should be focused on.”
With applications for the second cohort set to open in May 2025, Resilience17 is poised to continue its mission of nurturing the next generation of African tech leaders through Go Time AI. This initiative fosters innovation and strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Africa.