Los Angeles-based StarNews Mobile, which offers a network of mobile video channels and allows celebrities and brands to monetize their fan bases in Africa through exclusive videos, announced on February 17, 2021 that it was selected by Snap Inc. (owner of the Snapchat and Bitmoji apps as well as the camera-equipped Spectacles) to benefit from the fourth edition of its Yellow Accelerator program. A funding and incubation program launched in May 2018 aimed at entrepreneurs working on the border between content creation and technology. The 2021 edition will be held exclusively online.

The Yellow Accelerator will invest $150,000 (approximately 81.4 million CFA francs) in StarNews Mobile and provide StarNews Mobile with a 14-week training program to improve its strategy, growth, fundraising and develop mentorship. This 14-week program ends on May 07, 2021 with a virtual demo day scheduled for April 29, 2021.

StarNews Mobile, which will leverage Snap Inc.'s best practices, is one of nine companies selected to join this program.

The nine companies selected are:

1. Elly Health, a digital health startup that helps people with chronic illnesses live healthier and happier lives through smart audio companionship.

2. Givingli, which allows users to send virtual greetings and gifts from brands such as Airbnb, DoorDash, Nike and Sephora.

3. HearHere, a mobile travel and audio entertainment app that allows travelers on the road to learn the stories and histories of the places they travel through and to.

4. Kargoo, which connects shoppers with travelers, renting the unused luggage space of those travelers to deliver products.

5. Popcrn, a platform where independent production creatives can host their portfolios, find collaborators and book jobs.

6. StarNews, a network of mobile video channels with distribution and marketing partnerships with pan-African mobile operators including Moov, MTN and Orange.

7. Vinohead, which bills itself as "the definitive authority on the wine lifestyle for millennials and Generation Z," offering reviews, recommendations, guides, meetups, exclusive drops and live events.

8. Volv, which organizes the "important and cool" news of the day into nine seconds.

9. Waffle Journal, which helps families and friends stay connected via group journaling.

Source : 01net