African startups venturing into artificial intelligence are getting a fresh opportunity to scale, thanks to Resilience17, the venture studio founded by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola. The firm has introduced Go Time AI, an accelerator programme designed to support promising AI startups with funding, mentorship, and technical resources.
Investing in the Future of AI in Africa
Initially launched in 2021 as Berrywood, Resilience17 has backed startups such as Klasha, Pivo, AltSchool, and Bamboo. With the rebrand and new focus, the firm is set to provide up to $200,000 in funding to selected AI startups in exchange for 8% equity ownership.
The programme kicked off in 2024 with a strong first cohort. Each selected startup receives an initial $25,000, followed by additional funding of up to $175,000 in later rounds. Participants also gain access to cloud computing credits, API services, and expert mentorship to help refine their products and expand their reach.
“Despite challenges acutely highlighted in 2024, Nigeria is poised to continue leading as a global technology hub and can lead in AI. We launched Go Time AI to prove this thesis. After the last four months working closely with the first cohort of AI companies, that conviction has only become stronger,” said Hasan Luongo, General Partner at Resilience17.
A Growing AI Ecosystem in Africa
The launch of Go Time AI comes at a time when African founders are striving to carve out space in the global AI industry. Access to funding, infrastructure, and technical expertise remains a challenge, but initiatives like this aim to bridge the gap.
The accelerator follows similar efforts, including Accelerate Africa, launched by Future Africa’s Iyin Aboyeji and Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani, as well as JADA, a data and analytics talent hub co-founded by Massimiliano Spalazzi and Olumide Soyombo.
Resilience17’s first cohort of five startups presented their pitches at a demo day in January 2025. The selected companies include: Catlog, Sahel AI, Tyms, AI Teacha and FriendNPal
Each startup received an initial $25,000, with the potential for an additional $175,000 in future rounds. Unlike traditional accelerators, Go Time AI does not have a fixed cohort size and operates from Resilience17’s $35 million fund pool.
A Hands-On Approach to Startup Growth
The accelerator follows a structured four-month programme, starting with a kickoff week in Lagos. Every two weeks, founders gather for in-person Demo Nights, where they showcase progress and receive feedback from investors and mentors. The programme also includes Office Hours, where industry experts provide guidance on technical development, product strategy, and growth tactics.
Participants in the first cohort learned from experts such as Wiza Jalakasi (EBanx), Olusola Amusan (Vesti), Samee Zahid (Chipper Cash), and Yewande Akomolafe-Kalu (Flutterwave).
“Our goal was not to teach founders how to run a company but specifically narrow the focus on what we see as the most important things any early stage companies should be focused on. Building a world class product experience and getting users into the product and to the magic moment where they see clear value,” Luongo further said.
Go Time AI is already making an impact, with participating founders confirming that the programme has helped them sharpen their storytelling, financial models, and product strategies. Applications for the second cohort will open in May 2025.
