NBA Launches Triple-Double Startup Accelerator in Africa

NBA has launched the NBA Accelerator program in Africa. It is termed the “Triple Double Startup Accelerator in Africa”. NBA Africa aims to provide capital and mentorship as part of the initiative to support African start-ups.

The African tech ecosystem and the next generation of tech entrepreneurs in the sports and creative industries. The program will offer cash awards and additional forms of assistance to the selected participants.

About the NBA Accelerator Program In Africa

NBA Africa is an affiliate of the NBA which has a mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. The NBA opened its African headquarters in South Africa in 2010 and have since opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league’s efforts in Africa have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, and media distribution. Also, in corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.

ALX Ventures, a technology incubator, manages the accelerator and targets start-ups in Africa. The start-ups in question are innovative in areas such as event management, ticketing, youth development, and artificial intelligence. Also, startups with digital marketing skills in the sports and creative sectors will be considered. The aim is to accelerate their growth in order to help drive the growth of African economies.

Criteria for NBA Accelerator Program In Africa

Businesses must have their headquarter in Africa
Submissions must align with one of the five Sports and Creative startup categories
A proven demand for the product and/or service the business offers.
Applicants must show demonstrable impact and/or relevancy to the broader African continent.

The NBA Accelerator Program in Africa reflects the NBA’s commitment to expanding the African Sports Ecosystem. The company also believes the program will positively impact the future of the African sports sector.

NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi stated: “This groundbreaking new initiative reflects our commitment to expanding the African sports ecosystem. Also, these incredible companies will be at the forefront of shaping the future of sport on the continent.”

How the NBA Accelerator Program in Africa Works

At the end of the NBA Accelerator Program in Africa, only 10 start-ups would be selected. Selected startups are then paired with mentors composed of NBA Africa and ALX leadership and other corporate stakeholders. These experts will provide guidance to the selected startups with a focus on product development, business growth, and go-to-market strategy.

NBA Africa will hold a Demo Day in New York City that will coincide with the United Nations General Assembly. The Demo Day event will occur in September. Eligible startups will pitch their products to a panel of top industry leaders from the US, Africa, and around the globe. The panel will select the four winning startups, and will award the companies with financial support, and mentorship. Additionally, the companies get access to work with NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) on their current and future initiatives on the continent.

Startups can apply till May 31 before submissions are down to the top 10.

Applicants can win prizes up to $50,000 plus value-in-kind, connected to business leaders, corporations, and multinational mentors. They can also have the opportunity to pitch to global industry leaders this autumn.

Interested start-up founders should Apply here.

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