Flapmax, a leading data and AI business announced the twelve African startups for the second FAST Accelerator batch. This programme with Microsoft aims to grow Africa’s digital ecosystem. The 12 selected firms will begin a 5-week acceleration experience in Silicon Valley, California, in October after a brutal 2-week online boot camp with over 60 innovative companies and experienced mentors.
Microsoft Africa Transformation Office SME Programme Manager Mame-Fatou Gueye believes African startups and SMEs can support the African digital economy. These startups solve local social and economic issues. FAST Accelerator will help these companies capitalise on growth possibilities and expand their market.
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With over 1200 submissions from 35 African nations in varied industries, the FAST Accelerator programme was overwhelmed. These sectors included Financial Services (128 applications), Healthcare (95), Agriculture (235), Transportation & Logistics (60), Clean Technology & Energy (57), and Creative Media & Entertainment (40). Applicants showcased AI-powered cloud-based goods and services to innovate and solve significant problems.
Dr Dave Ojika, founder and CEO of Flapmax, said their objective is to produce AI-powered solutions that disrupt industries and influence society through partnerships with startups, SMEs, and global businesses. Flapmax works with Microsoft and Intel to offer Africa and other emerging markets cutting-edge AI technologies, company development strategies, and growth prospects. AI is used to help startups and minority entrepreneurs scale sustainably.
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The startups chosen for the FA23 cohort are:
The startups in the FA23 cohort work in many different areas, such as FinTech, eCommerce, Supply Chain, Creative Media, HealthTech, and AgTech. Zeeh Africa, Sumundi, Cotrust Equity, Trucki, Orange VFX, 10mg Pharma, Wallx, Moosbu, KCG Aquatec Fish Farming, Aibanc, Zendawa Africa, and Greenbrier are the startups that were chosen.
The FA23 cohort will start participating in a variety of activities on October 23, including training, integrating AI, developing their businesses, raising money, and working with Intel and Microsoft on co-innovation projects. They will get help with sales and marketing, which will help them reach more people. The engineering team at Flapmax will help companies improve and scale their large language AI models (LLMs) on Microsoft Azure and Intel platforms.
Flapmax has also made FAST Portal, an online tool for matching investors and startups, available. The FAST Portal will help investors, partners, and startups in the FAST Accelerator group meet each other. Corporate partners and other groups are welcome to help entrepreneurs and innovators in underserved areas worldwide.