Resilience17 Launches Go Time AI

Olugbenga Agboola introduces Go Time AI, an AI accelerator to help teams create and launch artificial intelligence products. He launched this program under Resilience17, his startup studio.

Resilience17 was started by Olugbenga Agboola, who is also the founder and CEO of Flutterwave.

Agboola has invested in more than 60 successful African tech companies, such as Vesti, Klasha, AltSchool, LemFi, and so on.

Resilience17’s General Partner, Hasan Luongo, believes Nigeria can become a major tech hub, even with its recent difficulties.

“Despite challenges acutely highlighted in 2024, Nigeria is poised to continue leading as a global technology hub and can excel in AI”, he said.

He also added, “We launched Go Time AI to validate this thesis. After working closely with the first cohort of AI companies over the past four months, our conviction has only strengthened.”

Go Time AI is one of several major initiatives recently launched to boost Africa’s startup ecosystem.

Accelerate Africa, a Y Combinator-style accelerator, has been launched by Iyin Aboyeji, VC firm Future Africa, and Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani.

Massimiliano Spalazzi and Olumide Soyombo have launched JADA. JADA is a platform that links international companies with top AI talent from across Africa.

About the Resilience17 Go Time AI Program

As AI becomes more important globally, African entrepreneurs want to make their mark. But they’re facing big challenges, including lack of funding, resources, and expert advice.

The Go Time AI accelerator provides African AI startups with the funds and guidance they need to succeed.

Resilience17, formerly known as Berrywood, gives chosen startups up to $200,000 in funding, for an equity stake of 8%.

The program’s first group of startups, which began in early 2024, includes five innovative companies.

These startups include Catlog’s AI-powered sales management chatbot, Sahel Al’s legal contract review automation, Tyms’ accounting software, Al Teacha’s educational platform, and FriendNPal’s mental health support application.

Each participating company gets $25,000 to start and can receive up to $175,000 in follow-up funds if they perform well.

The program provides participants with free API and cloud compute credits to train models, test, build, and deliver their products.

Participants are also provided with housing credits, team meals, and free workspace in V.I. Lagos.

The program offers a 4-month mentorship with regular meetings with industry experts.

Founders in the first cohort received mentorship from top industry experts. The experts include Wiza Jalakasi of EBanx, Olusola (Olu) Amusan of Vesti, Samee Zahid of Chippercash, and Yewande Akomolafe-Kalu of Flutterwave.

Instead of just teaching business theory, the program provides practical guidance and support. This approach helps startup founders focus on the most important aspects of building their companies.

Following its successful first round, the program will start accepting applications for its second round in May 2025.

Go Time AI is a smart investment in Africa’s tech future. This initiative helps Resilience17 support the growth of entrepreneurship in Africa.

The program is designed to help African startups succeed and increase Africa’s influence in the global tech industry.