Flapmax, a trailblazing data and AI technology firm, unveiled its selection of twelve promising companies for the second edition of the FAST Accelerator startup initiative. This program, forged in collaboration with Microsoft, aims to bolster and amplify Africa’s digital landscape. Following a rigorous two-week Online Bootcamp, featuring participation from over 60 tech firms and mentorship by seasoned experts, the 12 startups of FAST Accelerator are gearing up for a comprehensive five-week acceleration experience set to take place in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, commencing this October.
“Our vision is to empower startups in their journey to scale their enterprises and generate fresh employment opportunities, with AI as the driving force,” said Dr. Dave Ojika, the visionary founder and CEO of Flapmax. “Through partnerships with industry giants like Microsoft and Intel, we are assembling a unique fusion of cutting-edge AI technologies, business development strategies, and global-scale growth prospects for Africa and emerging markets. Our goal is to accelerate the growth of startups and underrepresented entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable expansion and job creation through the transformative power of AI.”
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Mame-Fatou Gueye, SME Program Manager at Microsoft Africa Transformation Office, expressed Microsoft’s unwavering belief in the potential of African startups and SMEs to become the cornerstones of the African digital economy. Gueye explained, “Participation in the FAST Accelerator program will provide these entrepreneurs with the tools to harness growth opportunities and extend their market presence.”
The FAST Accelerator program received an impressive 1,200 applications from 35 African countries, spanning diverse industry sectors such as Financial Services, Healthcare, Agriculture, Transportation & Logistics, Clean Technology & Energy, and Creative Media & Entertainment. These applicants offered an array of cloud-based products and services designed to address critical challenges, enhance efficiency, and foster innovation through AI across various domains within the continent.
The FA23 cohort consists of the following innovative startups:
- Zeeh Africa (FinTech): Utilizing AI to establish an open banking platform connecting businesses to financial data.
- Sumundi (eCommerce): Pioneering an intelligent eCommerce platform tailored for African retail businesses.
- Cotrust Equity (FinTech): Revolutionizing micro-lending in Africa, akin to the “Uber for micro-lending.”
- Trucki (Supply Chain): Leveraging AI to create a comprehensive haulage infrastructure connecting cargo stakeholders.
- Orange VFX (Creative Media): Delivering high-quality animation and visual effects to boost African businesses.
- 10mg Pharma (HealthTech): Using AI to drive cost savings on medications for chronic pain patients.
- Wallx (FinTech): Providing payment and business solutions catered to small business owners.
- Moosbu (FinTech): Empowering SMEs with AI-driven tools for sales and financing.
- KCG Aquatec Fish Farming (AgTech): Establishing sustainable aquaculture infrastructure for fish farmers.
- Aibanc (FinTech): Offering AI-powered banking for High Earners Not Rich Yet (HENRY).
- Zendawa Africa (HealthTech): Enabling neighborhood pharmacies to sell online.
- Greenbii (FinTech): Deploying AI-driven asset financing and software management for SMEs.
Commencing on October 23, the FA23 cohort will embark on a multifaceted journey, encompassing training, AI integration, business development, fundraising, and a range of events. Collaborating closely with Intel and Microsoft on co-innovation projects, they will receive support in sales and marketing, enabling them to reach broader audiences. Moreover, the Flapmax engineering team will provide guidance in optimizing Large Language AI models (LLMs), along with scaling and fine-tuning these models on Microsoft Azure and Intel platforms.
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Previous participants of the Online Bootcamp program shared their experiences:
“It is inspiring to learn what is happening in the AI and tech space across sectors and to interact with cohort members and speakers who are experts in their fields.” — Cohort member HealthX Africa
“This [will] provide us with mentorship, networking and fundraising opportunities with global startups. This is a huge one for us and we are more than excited to embark on this adventure!” — Dataleum.
“It was such a great privilege participating in the FAST Accelerator program! Thank you for the phenomenal classes and the opportunity to build new cross-national networks with other amazing entrepreneurs creating global solutions to local problems with one single aim to make the world a better place for everyone!” — Ricard Oboh, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Orange VFX Studios
Flapmax has also announced the launch of its digital matching platform, FAST Portal, designed to connect investors with startups. FAST Portal will facilitate introductions between investors, partners, and startups within the FAST Accelerator community. Corporate partners and organizations are invited to join in on the mission to empower entrepreneurs and innovators in underserved markets worldwide.
FAST Accelerator, a global initiative by Flapmax in partnership with Microsoft, links international entrepreneurs and startups with opportunities for business development, AI technology integration, funding, and community building, all geared towards fostering rapid and sustainable growth. Graduates of this program have secured millions in startup funding, created hundreds of jobs in their communities, and are utilizing technology to advance global economic and sustainable development goals in healthcare, agriculture, supply chain management, and climate justice.
Flapmax is a data and AI technology company collaborating with leading technology providers worldwide to identify and accelerate sustainable technology solutions that enhance communities across the globe. Their mission revolves around empowering and transforming lives through the widespread adoption of AI technology. Flapmax is facilitating collaboration across borders, connecting entrepreneurs and innovators with digital transformation solutions, advanced AI models, and global partnerships.
African AI startups African AI startups African AI startups
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard