If we want technology to work for everyone, it needs to be built by everyone. Today, with less than 0.5 percent of venture capital (VC) funding going to Black-led startups, and Black people making up less than 3 percent of the VC community, Black founders in Europe disproportionately lack access to the networks and capital needed to grow their businesses.
Following Google’s commitment to building a more equitable future for everyone, Google for Startups created a $2 million Black Founders Fund and selected 30 exceptional startups from six countries in Europe who have been awarded up to $100,000 in equity-free cash, paired with up to $220,000 per startup in Google Ad Grants and Cloud credits and support from experienced Startup Partner Managers at Google.
The founders will also receive mentoring with Google experts, leadership training, and will be invited to take part in weekly Founders Standups—designed to help founders to celebrate the highs and navigate challenges with other founders by unlocking the collective knowledge in the room.