Google launches accelerator for startups in Mena

Google launches accelerator for startups in Mena

Google is launching a new accelerator programme for startups in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena). The three month programme will begin in November with a cohort of 15 startups from across the region. 

The Google for Startups Accelerator Programme is a global initiative that provides mentoring and support from a combination of Google's own and external mentors alongside workshops, assistance with technology, product, design and leadership training. The company is also offering $1.1 million worth of Google.org financial grants to organisations like Mercy Corps, Arab Tourism Organisation and Youth Business International, to mentor businesses and entrepreneurs across the region.

"We did this [accelerator] in Latin America and it was transformational,“ said Lino Cattaruzzi, managing director for Google Mena. "This is the first time we are launching this here, it is