Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola has unveiled Go Time AI, a groundbreaking accelerator program through his venture studio Resilience17. The initiative offers substantial funding and mentorship opportunities to emerging African AI startups, marking a significant development in the continent’s technology landscape.
Resilience17, previously known as Berrywood, provides selected startups with funding packages up to $200,000. The program’s inaugural cohort launched in early 2024 features five innovative startups. These include Catlog’s AI-powered sales management chatbot, Sahel AI’s legal contract review automation, Tyms’ accounting software, AI Teacha’s educational platform, and FriendNPal’s mental health support application.
The accelerator program demonstrates flexibility in its structure, welcoming startups without restricting cohort sizes. Each participating company receives an initial investment of $25,000, with opportunities for additional funding based on performance metrics. Participants benefit from essential cloud computing credits and API services, crucial tools for product development and scaling.
Hasan Luongo, General Partner at Resilience17, highlights Nigeria’s potential as a global technology hub despite recent challenges. The program implements a focused four-month mentorship framework, featuring regular “Office Hours” sessions with industry experts. These interactions concentrate on essential aspects of business development and growth strategies.
The comprehensive support structure emphasizes practical guidance over theoretical business education. This approach allows founders to focus on crucial elements of early-stage company development. The program’s success with its first cohort has led to plans for a second round, with applications scheduled to open in May 2025.
Go Time AI represents a strategic investment in Africa’s technological future. Through this initiative, Resilience17 actively contributes to the development of the continent’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The program’s structure and resources position it to nurture innovative solutions while strengthening Africa’s presence in the global technology sector.