The Black Founders Build with Alexa is a remote four-month program for a cohort of up to 10 Black-founded startups located in North America that demonstrate readiness and ability to deliver novel Alexa integration within the program duration.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for participation in the Program, your company must meet the following criteria:
- Your company has at least 1 C-Level Co-Founder who identifies as Black;
- Your company is headquartered in North America;
- Your company has previously raised at least $250K in funding;
- You have the resources and commitment to build the proposed Alexa skill/AVS integration within the outlined program timeline;
- You have completed and submitted the program application before 5:00 PM PT on April 24, 2022.
Selection Criteria
Amazon will evaluate each startup application based on the following criteria:
- Value proposition of the novel Alexa skill/AVS integration and clarity of the customer pain point it is addressing.
- Progress and business traction (revenue/customer/user growth KPIs or metrics).
- Resources and commitment to build the Alexa skill/AVS integration within the outlined program timeline.
- Competitive differentiation.
- Sizeable category with underlying growth.
- At least $250K in funding (venture capital, friends and family, angel investors, grants, etc.).
- Ability to provide due diligence documentation during application, shortlisting, and final selection steps.
- Commitment to participate in all elements of the program.
- Company is headquartered in North America.
- At least 1 C-Level Co-Founder who identifies as Black.
Benefits
Each company selected for the program will have the opportunity to receive up to a $100,000 investment from the Alexa Fund and individualized technology support from the Alexa Startups Solution Architect and Business Development teams. Founders will receive invitations to speak at events, participate in panel discussions, and demo showcases.
Duration
The program duration will be four months for startups developing Alexa skills and will extend to one year of individual Solution Architect and Business Development support for device makers working on Alexa Voice Service (AVS) integrations.
Investment
Every company selected for the program will have the opportunity to receive up to a $100,000 investment from the Alexa Fund in the form of a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE).
Technical Support
Throughout the program, selected startups’ technical teams will engage with Alexa technical experts and Solution Architects, who will help advise on technical aspects of Alexa skill and AVS integrations.
Application Procedure
As a first step, fill out and submit the application form. Once the form is submitted, check your email and fill out the survey that you will receive, including a brief proposal of the Alexa skill or AVS integration you want to work on. If you are selected for the next round, you will receive an invitation for an interview with the Alexa Startups Business Development and Solution Architect teams.
Application Deadline
5:00 PM PT on April 24, 2022.
For More Information
Black Founders Build with Alexa Program
