LIST | Kenyan Blockchain AI Startup, Fastagger, Among 11 African Startups Accepted into ‘Google for Startups – AI First’ Accelerator Program

Google has announced a list of 11 African startups to join the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program.

The startups, which include Kenyan Blockchain AI startup, Fastagger, will be embarking on a 10-week journey to scale their AI solutions globally and for Africa, Google said. They’ll also leverage up to $350k in Google Cloud Credits and gain access to Google’s AI expertise and support.

The selected startups (in alphabetical order):

* Avalon Health (South Africa): Empowers patients with streamlined online healthcare access and offers doctors digital tools to enhance care

• Chatbots Africa (Ghana): Spearheading SMEs’ transition into the Social Commerce era with AI-driven online storefronts
• Dial Afrika Inc (Kenya): Tailoring customer support tools for global businesses, with a focus on African SMBs
• Famasi Africa (Nigeria): Innovating the OS for pharmacies in emerging markets
• Fastagger Inc (Kenya): Using AI to amplify sales and loyalty, supporting MSMEs’ growth
• Garri Logistics (Ethiopia): Digitalizing freight brokerage and transport services
• Izifin (Nigeria): Providing an end-to-end credit infrastructure via API for small businesses
• Lengo AI (Senegal): Launching the first Data-Driven OS for the Informal Sector
• Logistify AI (Uganda): Minimising inventory losses in industrial facilities
• Telliscope (Ethiopia): Offering an AI-enabled business intelligence platform
• Vzy (Nigeria): Revolutionising website building with AI-driven tools that craft sites in mere minutes

According to Fastagger CEO, Mutembei Kariuki, the company’s focus is on providing innovative solutions that utilize the best of both AI and blockchain to create new opportunities for businesses and individuals.

Fastagger, which in February received funding from CV VC, uses the power of data to support the over 90% of SMEs in emerging markets such as Africa that have been and continue to be impacted by climate change.

“Fastagger harnesses the power of data to help MSMEs grow. By using AI to increase sales and loyalty, we help small businesses scale.”

The company is currently accepting signups from businesses for early access to its latest product, Auni.ai, a platform which brings customer intelligence and engagement to decentralized mobile-first retail.

According to Google, Fastagger and the rest will dive deep into a growth experience through mentorship sessions, specialised technical insights, and extensive networking opportunities await them, to help them expand their horizons and amplify their impact.

The Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program, is a 10-week equity-free accelerator program for Seed to Series A startups based in Africa or building Africa-centered solutions with technology. The program is seeking startups that are demonstrating traction, ideally between Seed and Series A stage. Selected startups should also be building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model.