How African startups can apply for the Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program
The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program will enable the development of the open metaverse by investing in 30 to 40 blockchain startups a year and up to $250,000 in each startup.
The Sandbox, a leading decentralized gaming metaverse and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, has committed $50 million to Brinc, a leading global venture accelerator, for The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program over the next three years.
Sebastien Borget, the Sandbox's co-founder said that "we've launched this accelerator to fuel the next wave of innovation, supporting a diverse array of entrepreneurs as they create jobs and build new tools, platforms and services for the metaverse. Creativity, utility, and curiosity — these are the skills for the metaverse generation... Disruptive moments are a great time to start a new business".
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With the goal to invest in, mentor, educate, and support the development of promising startups and projects, the accelerator will also provide access to potential partnerships and business development opportunities across the growing networks of The Sandbox, Animoca Brands, and Brinc.
The accelerator is opened to every startup across the world, including Africa; "we are very much looking for applicants from Africa! The goal of the program is to build the ecosystem to be as diverse as the real world. To get there, we need startups building services for, and from, people all over the world", Nick Vivion, Brinc's PR consultant told Benjamindada.com
Out of 158 companies in Brinc's portfolio, only two are from Africa — Egpyt's A1Smart Cam and Tunisia's IRIS Technologies.
With applications now open and the first cohort scheduled to start in Q2 2022, The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program is a dedicated track within Launchpad Luna, the accelerator launched in mid-2021 as a partnership between Brinc and Animoca Brands.
How will it work?
The accelerator is looking out for startups that can enhance the open metaverse, these startups will be evaluated based on their traction, technical expertise, and ability to deliver unique experiences. Startups accepted into the program will receive an initial investment of up to $250,000 each.
The Sandbox will also provide further grants of up to $150,000 in SAND tokens to the best performers, as well as LAND grants. Startups that demonstrate meaningful traction post-program can also apply for follow-on investment from The Sandbox, Animoca Brands, and Brinc.
Interested startups can visit this website to apply.
Pioneering blockchain startups in the fields of art, collectibles, culture, entertainment, gaming, media, content, and streaming, are encouraged to apply. Accelerated startups will be empowered to contribute to The Sandbox’s rapidly growing ecosystem and actively engage with its existing and growing user base.
The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program will support the open metaverse built on shared values and through open, transparent, decentralized governance. This will replace the current paradigm of closed platforms thanks to powerful network effects, creating a more sustainable digital future.
According to Sebastien Borget, co-founder of The Sandbox and chairman of the Blockchain Gamer Alliance, "the Sandbox's Metaverse Accelerator is a major expansion of our ongoing commitment to support the next generation of metaverse entrepreneurs".
Borget added that "With imagination, ideas and hard work, startups from all over the world can realize their visions and drive societal impact by creating more opportunities for everyone. We’re especially eager to support underrepresented founders in their ambitions as they explore the infinite possibilities offered into The Sandbox ecosystem".