Investment in innovation means making sure good ideas get in the hands of more consumers. That’s where the Visa Everywhere Initiative comes in. Startups and fintechs are driving critical change in the payment industry. Transactions on a digital device grew from $4.1T in 2019 to $5.2T in 2020, accelerated in part by the pandemic. Digital access allowed consumers to get what they needed when they needed it most, thanks to the innovative minds behind startups and fintechs worldwide.
Visa is opening the door to over 2,000 global startups around the world to deliver digital solutions to consumers around the globe. Finalists will compete on a global stage to solve challenges for how we pay, save, and invest, driving accessibility for more people.
“The world has changed dramatically in the last 18 months, making smart, secure financial tools more vital than ever,” says Terry Angelos, SVP, Global Head of Fintech at Visa. “Fintechs are playing a pivotal role in helping to restore and rebuild the global economy — building platforms that enhance access and inclusion and improve our ability to shop, pay and manage money in an increasingly digital world.”
Tune into TechCrunch on June 22 at 11 a.m. PST/2 p.m. EST
Watch five startup finalists go head-to-head as they present their innovative solutions to five distinct payment problems to a panel of expert judges. Audiences can also voice their vote, virtually. These challenges will inspire startups to innovate across all facets of digital commerce that could affect how we pay today and tomorrow. The winner will receive $10,000 USD and a guaranteed spot at the finals; the audience favorite will also receive $10,000 USD.
The winner will score the chance to compete in the Visa Everywhere Initiative Global finals in September for a chance at $100,000 USD in total prizes, along with recognition and access to Visa’s global network. Visa will also help guide and incubate these startups as they take their great ideas to market.
Image Credits: Visa Everywhere Initiative
Tune in to watch the North America competition on June 22, including a fireside chat between Visa’s VP of Global Product Marketing Jennifer Anopolsky and Andres Wydler, Executive Director of StartOut, the largest national nonprofit organization supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Wydler’s successful startup experience as a co-founder, executive, angel investor, and board member will provide the foundation for great insights into launching the next great business idea.
5 Startup Finalists:
- Travis Holoway | Co-Founder & CEO, SoLo Funds
- Jonathan Chester | Co-Founder & CEO, Bitwage
- Eve Halimi | Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Alinea
- Wade Arnold | Founder & CEO, Moov Financial
- Pialy Aditya | Chief Strategy Officer, Republic
Expert Panel of Judges:
Image Credits: Visa Everywhere Initiative
- Terry Angelos | SVP, Global Head of Fintech, Visa
- Mary Kay Bowman | SVP, Global Head of Buyer and Seller Solutions, Visa
- Kanyi Maqubela | Managing Partner, Kindred Ventures
- Ayman Hammad | Executive Director Transaction Optimization and Protection, JP Morgan
- Charles Hudson | Managing Partner and Founder, Precursor Ventures
- Amy Dawson | Head of North America Innovation, Visa Inc.