Google Launchpad Accelerator

Google for Startups is a startup program launched by Google in 2011. It consists of over 50 co-working spaces and accelerators in 125 countries, and provides hands-on lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Launchpad Accelerator is a six-month acceleration program for growth-stage startups from emerging markets. Through this program, startups get the opportunity to collaborate with Google engineers, Silicon Valley experts, and top mentors from around the world. 

In March 2012, Campus London was first launched in East London, followed by Campus Tel Aviv later in December 2012. The first Asian Campus was opened in Seoul, South Korea in 2015. The first South American Campus was subsequently launched in 2016 in S?o Paulo, Brazil.

Events held in the various Campuses differ by location, including language used in these events. Entrepreneurs or companies can apply to host these events, and they include workshops and conferences on tech topics such as blockchain, Internet of Things, fintech, machine learning, and cloud computing as well as other important practical skills for entrepreneurs such as digital marketing, product management, and intellectual rights. Other events include hackathons as well as startup residency programs for entrepreneurs and even free yoga and mindfulness sessions for entrepreneurs.

From time to time, Google employees are deployed to conduct workshops (such as sales training, technical discussions, pioneering philosophical thought experiments) as well as conferences with Google-related products and platforms such as the Google Cloud Platform.

In October 2018, Google for Entrepreneurs was renamed as Google for Startups.

According to the Google website “Around the world, underrepresented founders face a disproportionate lack of access to capital and support networks. From the partners we choose to the founders we support, we are committed to fostering a global startup community for everyone.”

Google for Startups is on a mission to support thriving, diverse, and inclusive startup communities around the world. They connect startups with the right people, products, and best practices to help your startup grow.

The program offers equity-free support, Google product credits, and an all-expense-paid training in San Francisco. Founders outline the top technical challenges for their startup, and are then paired with relevant experts from both Google and the industry to solve those challenges and grow their business. In addition to mentorship and technical project support, Google for Startups accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.