Bolt’s accelerator program in Kenya has been successfully completed. The Sarova Stanley Hotel hosted an event where the top 10 drivers and couriers received €20,000 in seed funding to support their innovative ideas.
The Bolt Accelerator Programme, which launched in April 2024, received over 800 applications from Kenyan drivers and couriers.
Following a rigorous selection process, Bolt Academy shortlisted 120 entrepreneurs and trained them in essential business skills.
After submitting video pitches, the top 20 competitors advanced and participated in exclusive training sessions run by subject-matter experts.
These sessions equipped them with the skills needed to refine their business ideas for the Pitch Day showdown.
On Pitch Day, drivers and couriers presented innovative solutions ranging from electric vehicle charging stations to specialised transport for people with disabilities and tech-enhanced last-mile delivery services.
Judges such as Linda Ndungu, GM Rides at Bolt, and Maryanne Akoth from Strathmore Business School evaluated the ideas.
Criteria included innovation, feasibility, and potential impact, helping to select the most promising ideas.
Among the notable winners were:
- Adrian Kagiri Amunga: The most innovative idea
- Antony Gwaro Nyangaresi: Most Scalable Idea
Teddy Muthami Muriithi: Best Pitch These entrepreneurs set a high bar with their creative solutions.
The top 10 winners each received €2,000 (over Sh280,000) in seed funding in addition to a 6-week post-mentorship program that offers additional guidance, mentorship, and access to industry experts.
Linda Ndungu, Bolt’s GM Rides, highlighted the importance of drivers and couriers in the Bolt ecosystem.
She emphasised that they are more than just service providers; they are key players in connecting millions across Kenya.
Oluwajoba Oloba, Co-Founder of The Nest Innovation Technology Park, highlighted the significance of programs like Bolt Accelerator in boosting Kenya’s startup ecosystem, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
