Applications have officially opened for the 2024 NBA Africa Triple Double Accelerator Program, a flagship initiative aimed at supporting African startups and entrepreneurs in the sports and creative industries. The program, spearheaded by NBA Africa, offers mentorship and capital to accelerate the growth of startups while fostering innovation and economic development across the continent.
Program Criteria and Categories
To be eligible for the Triple Double Accelerator Program, startups must meet the following criteria:
- Headquarters based in Africa
- Product alignment with one of the five Sports and Creative startup categories
- Proven demand for product and/or service demonstrated through a strong customer base and/or revenue
- Demonstrable impact and/or relevancy to the broader African continent
The program seeks startups aligned with the following categories:
- Live Event Experience and Ticketing: Enhancing live events through improved ticketing, entry, or in-arena/stadium experiences.
- Digital Fan Platforms and Connectivity: Developing innovative ways to collect fan data, offer targeted offerings, and create digital hubs for fan engagement.
- AI for Consumers: Designing AI-driven products for fans, such as localized content dubbing or NBA chatbots.
- Investing in Youth: Creating tools to promote life skills and positive habits for Africa’s digitally-connected youth.
- Other Sports and Creative Startups: Innovating and disrupting sectors within the sports, entertainment, and creative industries.
Prizes and Benefits
The program offers substantial prizes and benefits to participating startups:
- 1st Place: $50,000 cash and $50,000 value-in-kind
- 2nd Place: $40,000 cash and $40,000 value-in-kind
- 3rd Place: $30,000 cash and $30,000 value-in-kind
- 4th Place: $20,000 cash and $20,000 value-in-kind
Additional benefits include access to prominent business leaders, corporations, and multinationals through mentorship, as well as global exposure through a chance to pitch at Demo Day in New York City.
Application Procedure
The application process consists of the following steps:
- Written Application: Founders complete an online application by May 22, 2024.
- One-way Video Interview: Selected startups participate in a one-way video interview by May 31, 2024.
- Selection Process: Judges evaluate submissions and select top startups by June 6, 2024.
- Mentorship: Selected startups engage in mentorship, workshops, and pitch practice from June to August 2024.
- Demo Day: Participating startups pitch to global industry leaders in New York City in September 2024.
- Startups are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The Triple Double Accelerator Program offers a unique opportunity for African startups to gain valuable support, mentorship, and resources to propel their growth and success in the sports and creative industries.
