 |
|
|
|
Google launches South African technology incubator Umbono
|
|
In keeping with its ongoing commitment to foster innovation in Africa, Google is announcing the launch of Umbono, its new technology incubator, which will be based in Cape Town, South Africa. Bringing together seed capital, Google mentorship, angel investors, local tech stars, entrepreneurs and business leaders, the Umbono programme will help selected start-up teams transform their ideas into companies.
As part of its goal to strengthen the web ecosystem across Africa, Google hopes that Umbono will further encourage the growth of the developer community and support the country’s already flourishing tech sector.
“The South African tech scene is incredibly dynamic, particularly in Cape Town,” said Luke McKend, Google South Africa Country Manager. “We’ve seen some terrific start-ups come from this environment, companies like Yola, MXit and Twangoo. Google’s latest investment with Umbono is a great extension of our overall strategy in the region to strengthen the web ecosystem.”
For six months, teams will enjoy free office space and bandwidth, in addition to the US$25,000 to $50,000 in funding they’ll receive from Umbono’s panel of angel investors and Google. Throughout the programme, teams will not only benefit from local connections, but also from the extensive mentorship network of Google experts who can provide guidance on issues ranging from product design and commercialisation, to legal incorporation and valuation.
“Our mentor base is a key component of the Umbono programme,” said Johanna Kollar, Umbono Programme Manager. “Our experts – Googlers from around the world who are volunteering their time – are passionate about technology in Africa and will be able to help teams with the challenges they face, whether it be on the product, business or technical front.”
|
|
|
|
|
