Microsoft 4Afrika selects five African startups for innovation grant

By VCPOST Staff Reporter

Feb 05, 2014 07:44 AM EST

Microsoft 4Afrika announced five African startups that will receive innovation grants from the US tech giant's venture initiative. The grants are meant for noteworthy startups that will help enhance Africa's global exposure, according to Venture Burn.

Based on the press announcement, the five startups will receive financial backing from Microsoft. Aside from that, they will also be given technical support and mentorship. In 2013, Microsoft extended its venture reach into Africa through the help of the 4Afrika Initiative. The company hopes to continue giving out these grants on a regular basis, the report explained.

The five startups eligible for the innovation grants are mobile directory service Africa118, textbook encryption and subscription service Kytabu, mobile tech solutions provider access.mobile, mobile game production firm Gamsole, and online purchase savings plan app Save & Buy, the report detailed.

4Afrika said: "These startups were identified through Microsoft's partnerships with 88mph, CC'Hub and HiveColab, as well as the company's engagement with local developer communities. A key consideration in the selection process was the uniqueness, scalability and local relevance of the startup solutions, which range from agriculture to education and consumer."

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