Google has created its first technology start-up incubator in SA, Umbono, based in Cape Town.
Umbono is open to all South African residents and is accepting applications from tech entrepreneurs for its first round of incubation. Google is collaborating with the Silicon Cape Initiative and the Bandwidth Barn for the Umbono project.
“Bringing together seed capital, Google mentorship, 'angel' investors, local tech stars, entrepreneurs and business leaders, the Umbono programme will help selected Internet or mobile-focused start-up teams transform their ideas into companies,” says Google.
The six-month “incubation” will see teams enjoying free office space and bandwidth, in addition to R175 000 to R350 000 in funding from Umbono's panel of angel investors and Google.
Participants will also benefit from the mentorship network of Google experts, who will provide guidance on issues ranging from product design and commercialisation, to legal incorporation and valuation.
Mentorship is key
"Our mentor base is a key component of the Umbono programme," says Johanna Kollar, Umbono's programme manager. "Our experts - Googlers from around the world who are volunteering their time - are passionate about technology in Africa and will be able to help teams with the challenges they face, whether it be on the product, business or technical front."
According to Google: "The Umbono programme will help selected start-up teams transform their ideas into companies."
Google hopes Umbono will further encourage the growth of the developer community and support the country's already flourishing tech sector.
"The South African tech scene is incredibly dynamic, particularly in Cape Town," says Luke McKend, country manager for Google South Africa.
"We've seen some terrific start-ups come from this environment, companies like Yola, MXit and Twangoo. Google's latest investment with Umbono is a great extension of our overall strategy in the region to strengthen the web ecosystem."
The first round of applications will close on 15 April and more information can be found at www.google.co.za/umbono.