Resilience17, formerly known as Berrywood, has unveiled Go Time AI, an accelerator dedicated to supporting African startups developing artificial intelligence (AI) products. The initiative is led by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga “GB” Agboola and aims to provide both financial and strategic backing to AI-driven ventures. It was originally launched as Berrywood in 2021, however, Resilience17 has backed several notable startups, including Klasha, Pivo, AltSchool, and Bamboo. The rebranded venture fund and studio is now offering selected startups up to $200,000 in funding and mentorship in exchange for an 8% equity stake.
The first cohort of the Go Time AI accelerator launched in 2024, equipping participating startups with financial support, technical resources, and expert mentorship. Each selected startup receives an initial $25,000 investment, followed by up to $175,000 in additional funding. The program also grants access to cloud computing credits and API services to facilitate the development, testing, and scaling of AI solutions. “Despite the challenges of 2024, Nigeria remains a leading technology hub and has the potential to lead in AI. We launched Go Time AI to validate this belief, and after working with the first cohort for four months, our conviction has only grown stronger,” said Hasan Luongo, General Partner at Resilience17.
While AI continues to shape industries worldwide, African founders face hurdles such as limited access to capital, infrastructure, and technical expertise. Go Time AI aims to bridge these gaps by offering funding, mentorship, and essential resources to help African startups develop globally competitive AI products.
The launch of Go Time AI follows a series of accelerator initiatives aimed at nurturing Africa’s startup ecosystem. These include Accelerate Africa, founded by Iyin Aboyeji (Future Africa) and Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani, which aspires to be the YC of Africa as well as JADA, a data & analytics talent hub co-founded by Massimiliano Spalazzi (former Jumia Nigeria CEO) and Olumide Soyombo (angel investor) to connect global companies with African AI talent.
In 2024, Go Time AI admitted five startups into its inaugural cohort. These startups showcased their innovations at a demo day in January 2025, presenting AI-driven solutions across various industries:
- Catlog – An AI-powered chatbot that helps businesses sell products, manage customer inquiries, process payments, and deliver goods via Instagram and WhatsApp.
- Sahel AI – An AI-driven contract review and drafting tool designed for law firms and in-house legal teams.
- Tyms – AI-powered accounting software tailored for small businesses.
- AI Teacha – An AI tool for educators, assisting with lesson planning, presentations, and learning material development.
- FriendNPal – A 24/7 mental health AI companion that provides live therapy support.
Each startup received $25,000 upfront, with the potential to secure up to $175,000 more in future funding rounds.
Go Time AI does not operate a dedicated fund but instead draws investments from Resilience17’s $35 million fund pool. The program also has no fixed cohort size, allowing flexibility in selecting promising startups. The Go Time AI program begins with a kickoff week in Lagos, followed by a four-month accelerator focused on hands-on learning and mentorship.
Key program highlights include biweekly demo nights where founders present their progress, receive feedback, and engage with investors, mentors, and peers, office hours where deep-dive discussions on technical development, product strategy, and go-to-market (GTM) growth tactics and also there is expert mentorship, where the first cohort received guidance from industry leaders such as Wiza Jalakasi (EBanx), Olusola Amusan (CEO, Vesti), Samee Zahid (Chipper Cash) and Yewande Akomolafe-Kalu (Flutterwave).
“Our goal isn’t just to teach founders how to run a business. Instead, we focus on the most critical early-stage priorities—building a world-class product and acquiring users who experience its value,” Luongo added.
Go Time AI’s first cohort has received positive feedback, with participating founders highlighting the program’s impact on refining their storytelling, strengthening financial models, and improving product strategy. The accelerator also provided valuable connections to corporations and investors.
With applications for the second cohort opening in May 2025, Go Time AI continues to solidify its position as a key player in fostering Africa’s growing AI ecosystem.
