{
  "slug": "mest-africa",
  "name": "Mest Africa",
  "description": "MEST Africa offers an immersive AI Startup Program designed to equip aspiring African AI entrepreneurs with the skills to build and scale globally competitive AI startups through intensive training and potential incubation.",
  "url": "https://optimly.ai/brand/mest-africa",
  "websiteUrl": "https://mestaistartupprogram.smapply.us/",
  "logoUrl": "https://logo.clearbit.com/mestaistartupprogram.smapply.us",
  "baiScore": null,
  "bai_tier_status": "active",
  "bai_score_status": "active",
  "archetype": null,
  "archetype_status": "active",
  "category": "Youth & Adult Tech Education & Mentorship Programs",
  "categorySlug": null,
  "keyFacts": [],
  "aiReadiness": [],
  "competitors": [],
  "competitorsProse": null,
  "inboundCompetitors": [],
  "aiAlternatives": [],
  "parentBrand": null,
  "subBrands": [],
  "updatedAt": "2026-08-23T00:05:45.013Z",
  "verifiedVitals": {
    "website": "https://mestaistartupprogram.smapply.us",
    "pricing_model": {
      "kind": "free",
      "detail": "The program offers fully sponsored training to participants. In exchange, MEST typically takes an early seed equity stake in every startup it supports, usually 10% equity from startups that graduate from its program. If a cash seed investment, typically around $50,000, is made, MEST takes an additional 20% in equity."
    },
    "parent_ownership": "MEST Africa is the non-profit arm of Meltwater, founded by the Meltwater Foundation."
  },
  "intentTags": null,
  "businessProfileClaims": [],
  "timestamp": 1787485221636
}