Today, Google Canada announced the opening of applications for both the 2023 Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders and Women Founders programs. Committed to leveling the playing field for all founders in North America, this marks the fourth year both programs are open to startups in the U.S. and Canada.
As advancements in AI and machine learning prompt tech startups to grow, underrepresented founders continue to encounter disproportionate structural barriers – like lack of access to capital and support networks- preventing opportunities to launch or scale their startups. In fact, studies have shown that:
- In 2022, companies founded solely by women garnered just 2.1% of the total capital invested in venture-backed startups in the United States (source).
- In 2022, only 2% of venture capital funding raised in North America went to Black-led founders. More than 76% of Black Canadian founders surveyed believe their race is a barrier to success (source).
As part of its commitment to support underrepresented founders, the Google for Startups Accelerator is excited to open applications for the 2023 Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founders and Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders cohorts. Twelve startups from U.S. and Canada will be selected to participate in each accelerator program. These virtual accelerator programs are equity-free, three-month intensive bootcamps, giving founders the tools they need to prepare for the next phase of their growth journey.
You can learn more about the 2023 cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator program for both Black Founders and Women Founders programs in their blog post. I’ve also provided a quote from Iran Karimian, Startup Ecosystem Lead for Google Canada if you prefer. Applications for the Google for Startups Accelerator Black Founders and Women Founders programs are now open to startups across all sectors until July 25 and August 2, respectively.