Press & Media

We asked top education investors to name the most promising edtech startups of 2023.

In 2020, Google launched its Google for Startups Founders Funds, providing equity-free cash awards to Black and Latino entrepreneurs. In 2024, all 20 recipients of the funds are connected to the hottest technology of the moment -- artificial intelligence (AI).

The ed-tech startups that competed in the latest Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition are focused on solving a range of students’ and educators most pressing needs, from helping students accelerate literacy skills to using data to drive decision-making in the classroom.

The tech giant established the Google for Startups Founders Funds to ensure Black and Latino entrepreneurs receive financial assistance and necessary support to influence multiple sectors. According to information provided to AFROTECH™, each recipient will receive $150,000 in non-dilutive cash awards and $100,000 in Google Cloud credits.

For the fifth year, Google is funding 20 companies through the Google for Startups Founders Funds which provides equity-free capital and hands-on support to Black and Latino-led startups using AI to innovate responsibly and drive meaningful change.

A Google-funded program is helping 20 startups from Black and Latino entrepreneurs that use AI to tackle everyday problems.

Launched in June 2020, Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund is part of Google’s $175 million racial equity commitment. With over $50 million, the Fund has empowered Black-led startups across Africa, Brazil, Europe, and the US, fueling funding, fostering communities, and driving generational change.