Did you know that Google has committed over $50 million globally to supporting Black-led startups through its Black Founders Fund?

The fund is designed to help Black entrepreneurs grow their businesses with funding, mentorship, and access to Google’s network. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Google Black Founders Fund 2025—from who can apply to how to increase your chances of getting accepted.

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What Makes Google Black Founders Fund Important?

google black founders fund 2025

1. Provides up to $150,000 in non-dilutive cash funding

The Google Black Founders Fund gives selected startups up to $150,000 in cash to help grow their business—but here’s the best part: it’s non-dilutive. That means Google doesn’t take any ownership or shares in your company in return for the money.

Example:
Let’s say you run a small tech startup and get $100,000 from the fund. You can use that money to hire a developer, improve your product, or launch a marketing campaign—and you don’t have to give Google any percentage of your company. You stay 100% in control.

2. Includes hands-on support from Google mentors and product experts.

Besides the funding, the Google Black Founders Fund also connects you with mentors and experts from Google who actually work in areas like marketing, tech, product design, and business growth.

Example:
Imagine you’re building an app but struggling to improve the user experience. Through the fund, you could get paired with a UX expert from Google who gives you tips, reviews your app, and helps you make it better. It’s like having a team of top professionals guiding you for free.

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3. Offers access to Google Cloud credits and ad grants.

Another big benefit of the Google Black Founders Fund is that it gives you access to Google Cloud credits and ad grants, which can save you a lot of money.

Example:
Let’s say your startup needs servers to host your website or app—Google Cloud credits can cover those costs for a while, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. And if you want to run ads on Google to attract customers, the ad grants help you do that for free. It’s like getting free tools to build and promote your business.

4. Has supported over 400 Black-led startups globally since launch

Since it started, the Google Black Founders Fund has already helped over 400 Black-led startups around the world grow and succeed.

This means hundreds of founders like you have gotten funding, expert help, and resources to take their businesses to the next level.

Some have gone on to raise more money, hire teams, or expand to new markets—all with Google’s support behind them. It shows that the fund is not just a promise, but something that’s really making a difference.

5. Aims to close the racial funding gap in the tech and startup ecosystem.

The Google Black Founders Fund was created to help fix the unfair funding gap that many Black entrepreneurs face in tech and startups.

In the startup world, Black founders often don’t get the same chances or funding as others, even if their ideas are just as strong.

This fund steps in to level the playing field, by giving money, support, and resources to talented Black founders who are usually overlooked. It’s about making sure everyone gets a fair shot at success.

How to Apply for the 2025 Google Black Founders Fund

1. United States

2025 google black founders fund united states
Eligibility
Your startup must be Black-led (at least one founder or C-level executive identifies as Black) and based in the U.S. Google looks for tech ventures with real traction or growth potential. In past rounds, recipients had demonstrated a working product or service and a clear vision for scaling.

Application process
As of early 2025, Google has not yet opened a new Black Founders Fund round for the U.S. When applications do open, they are handled online through Google for Startups. You can visit the official Black Founders Fund program page on the Google for Startups website and fill out the application form.

(For reference, past windows typically ran in spring – for example, 2023 applications were due by late March.) Keep an eye on the Google for Startups site and partner channels (such as Goodie Nation) for announcements of the 2025 cycle.

Key documents
Get your application materials ready in advance. You will need to upload a concise pitch deck, current financial statements (or projections), and any other requested documents like a business plan or product demo.

The online form will prompt you to describe your business, team, and how the funds will be used. Clear, well-organized materials will help reviewers understand your startup.

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Tips from past recipients
Successful applicants advise on being genuine about your mission and its impact. For example, one founder stresses the importance of “being authentic and showcasing how [your startup] aligns with the Black Founders Fund’s values.

Other alumni recommend fully leveraging Google’s support – use the mentorship, technical resources, and networks offered by the program.

Finally, spend time on your application: “take the selection process seriously, show you know your market, product and have the right team”, as this level of preparation can make your startup stand out.

2. Europe

google black founders fund europe
Eligibility
Any Black-led tech startup based in Europe is eligible. This means your team has at least one Black founder or executive, and you have an operating product or service with some market traction. Google typically focuses on startups that can benefit from added capital, mentorship, and cloud resources.

Application process
Google usually opens the European Black Founders Fund for a limited time each year. Watch the Google for Startups website (Programs section) for announcements. In previous years, applications opened in early spring and closed by late March.

When active, you can apply online on the Google for Startups site under “Black Founders Fund: Europe.” Be sure to check the site frequently for the 2025 application window and deadlines.

Key documents
Prepare the same core materials as for any startup grant: a strong pitch deck, updated financials (or financial model), and any other materials the form asks for. You will submit these files through the online form. Clear explanations of your team, market, and technology will be important.

Tips from past recipients
European alumni say that clear storytelling and preparation are key. One founder advises future applicants to “be authentic and showcase how [your startup] aligns with the Fund’s values,” and then to use the program’s resources fully.

Take advantage of Google’s mentorship and network – for example, many alumni credit Google experts and introductions for helping them grow. Also, invest time in your application: demonstrate deep knowledge of your market, product, and team in your answers. A polished, well-prepared submission reflects confidence and understanding of your startup’s mission.

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3. Africa

google black founders fund africa
Eligibility
The African Black Founders Fund is offered through Google’s Accelerator Africa program. Eligible startups are headquartered in Africa (or have a legal presence there) and have one or more Black/African.

Your company should be tech-driven with a live product or service in the market and clear product-market fit. (Google especially looks for AI-enabled solutions or other scalable innovations to solve local problems.)

In past rounds, the focus has been on seed-stage to Series A startups that can grow with mentorship and cloud support.

Application process
Apply via the Google for Startups “Accelerator Africa” program page. For example, the 2024 Black Founders Fund selected 15 startups in South Africa; applications closed on Oct 14, 2024.

To apply for the next cohort, visit the official page and look for the Black Founders Fund or Accelerator Africa application link. (The 2025 program cycle had a similar late-2024 window. Keep an eye on Google for Startups and local Google startup partners for the 2025/2026 dates.)

Key documents
Just like the other regions, you will complete an online form and upload supporting files. Have your pitch deck and financial statements ready to go.

You may also need to provide details like your company registration, evidence of product-market fit, and a summary of how you’ll use the funding and Google Cloud credits. Being organized and clear in your responses will streamline the review process.

Tips from past recipients
African founders note that the fund brings in much more than money. For instance, one alumnus said it “helped us craft a path to growth and really amplified our efforts globally.

In other words, use the grant as a growth springboard: attend the Google-led workshops, tap into mentorship sessions, and implement feedback quickly.

There is no formal checklist, but in practice it’s wise to clearly articulate your mission and business plan in the application and then actively engage with the program’s support if selected. Google’s team and alumni network can accelerate your startup – make sure to take full advantage of it.

The Google Black Founders Fund is a powerful opportunity to grow your startup with funding, expert support, and access to a global network. Whether you’re in the U.S., Europe, or Africa, applying could open doors that take your business to the next level.

So if you’re a Black founder building something impactful, don’t miss your chance to apply in 2025. The support is real, the benefits are huge, and the time to prepare is now.

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