Bolt has awarded 10 Kenyan drivers and couriers Kshs 2.8 million in seed capital in the just concluded Bolt accelerator program.
Each participant received approximately Kes 288,000 for showcasing innovative and compelling ideas related to mobility and delivery services.
Launched in April this year, the Bolt Accelerator Program was designed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Kenya and throughout Africa. The program aimed to empower drivers, couriers, and their spouses on an entrepreneurial journey.
In addition to the €2,000 of seed funding, winners also received access to comprehensive business mentorships.
The initiative, run in collaboration with The Nest Innovation Technology Park, received over 800 applications. After a review of all applications, a team of experts picked 120 participants to receive online training. The list was further narrowed to 20 participants, who received additional training and methods in preparation for the final pitch.
At the Pitch Day event, the finalist showcased their innovations to the panel of judges consisting. Bolt’s General Manager, Linda Ndugu, sat the panel of judges with Maryanne Akoth, Director for programs at ISBI at Strathmore.
The judges evaluated each pitch based on innovation, impact, and feasibility. Participants presented diverse ideas, including innovative vehicles for persons with disabilities, electric charging stations, and ways to facilitate grocery and food deliveries.
Speaking at the event, Linda Ndugu said “To the winners, your dedication and creativity have rightfully earned you this recognition, along with $2,200 in seed funding. We are eager to see where your entrepreneurial journey leads from here.”
“Our driver and courier partners are at the very core of the Bolt ecosystem. They are not just service providers; they are essential members of a broader community that keeps millions of people connected across Kenya and beyond,” Ndungu further noted.
