Flapmax unveils second FAST accelerator programme to support African entrepreneurs

By Cynthia Ezekwe.

Flapmax, a data and  artificial intelligence (AI) company has  launched its  second FAST Accelerator programme, to support and fund the next generation of innovative companies, startups  and entrepreneurs throughout the African continent.

FAST Accelerator programme is a global Flapmax initiative created in partnership with Microsoft which connects international entrepreneurs and startups with business development, technology integration, funding, and community building opportunities designed to enable rapid and sustainable growth.

Building on the success of the inaugural program, FAST Accelerator 2023 offers a transformative experience for startup founders seeking to scale rapidly and sustainably. More than 800 startups from 25+ countries applied to join the inaugural programme.

In partnership with Microsoft, the FAST Accelerator initiative combines business development, technology integration, funding opportunities, and community building to empower startup companies based in Africa and emerging markets to deliver sustainable solutions. It also provides dedicated venture funding and invaluable mentorship opportunities.

A statement from the company disclosed that the  top ten FAST Accelerator 2023 startup participants will be selected for a five-week program in Silicon Valley, California, to forge relationships with industry experts, potential investors, and global partners through Flapmax’s vibrant ecosystem of over 600 corporate partners.

It further pointed out that the  program is prioritizing business-to-business startups for this cohort, with the areas of healthcare, fintech, edutech, and industrials/agtech of particular interest.

Commenting on the launch, Dave Ojika, CEO of Flapmax said: “FAST Accelerator represents our commitment to supporting ambitious entrepreneurs who are driving sustainable innovation across the continent of Africa and emerging markets.’’

“Through this comprehensive program, we are dedicated to connecting startup founders with a global community, industry-leading technology, and the essential startup funding necessary to forge the path towards local, sustainable, and AI-powered technological solutions of the future. Together, we unite in building a brighter future for Africa and the world, fueled by the transformative power of technology and innovation,’’ Ojika added.

Edwin Lubanga, co-founder and CTO of Snark Health Limited, an alternative care delivery model built around the doctor-patient relationship and enables patients to get the right care, at the right place, noted  “At Snark Health, we are pioneering a novel approach to healthcare payment solutions, and our collaboration with FAST Accelerator has been instrumental in driving our growth; through FAST’s support, we have gained access to critical infrastructure, enabling us to deploy our services at scale. Working in conjunction with Microsoft and Azure services and partnering with hospitals in Kenya, we are determined to deliver equitable and affordable healthcare to tens of thousands of SMEs and health centers across Africa, creating a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape.”

Innocent Orikiiriza, founder and CEO of KaCyber Technologies, a company that provides robust digital ticketing and payment systems to public transport operators of buses, trains, and ferries said: “Our collaboration with FAST Accelerator has opened doors to an extraordinary opportunity, one that I fully endorse. Guided by FAST Accelerator, we have developed a comprehensive sustainability framework that now underpins our business operations, emphasizing the vital importance of sustainability in the public transport sector.

Orikiiriza noted  that the company have  achieved a major milestone of processing 11 million travel tickets to date, amounting to a transaction value of 200 billion Ugandan shillings, immensely bolstering its revenue pipeline, adding that partnering with FAST, the tech  company works toward realizing a seamless and sustainable mobility experience throughout Africa.