Narayan AmmachchiSearch engine giant Google Inc has joined hands with Manos Accelerator, a newly created startup accelerator based in San Jose, California, to increase the number of Latinos in the United States’ startup ecosystem.
The accelerator program, to kick off in August, is designed to provide business resources and infrastructure for startups founded by Latino entrepreneurs. “We want to create a vibrant community of Latino entrepreneurs that attracts the brightest and most talented. We want all aspiring Latino entrepreneurs in the US and Latin American countries to know that they now have a place to go for turning their innovative ideas into reality.” said Edward Avila, Co-founder and CEO of Manos Accelerator.
The three-month program is aiming to identify and mentor aspiring Latino entrepreneurs who are creating innovative solutions to real-world problems.
“For decades, Silicon Valley has been known as the model for entrepreneurship. But there has been an ongoing gap for Latinos to be active participants of this startup ecosystem,” said Dr. Jerry Porras, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
The Accelerator will connect Latino startup teams with seasoned mentors, corporate executives, angel investors, venture capitalists and a network of technology and business contacts in the Silicon Valley.
Manos says it is not only focused on accelerating the growth of the technology ecosystem but in filling a critical talent gap in the startup market – the development of Latino entrepreneurs.
Mario Lopez, actor and a television personality, has praised Manos Accelerator for attempting to attract more Latinos to the hi-tech world. “They are a game changer,” Lopez added.
The first program will start in August and run for three months. They are accepting applications from across the country, but the selected teams have to move to San Jose for the duration of the program.
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