Visa is focused on providing greater accessibility in the way money moves and works with fintechs of all sizes that are developing innovative solutions to improve financial access. Visa is thrilled to launch the 2023 competition – a pitch competition for startups in the payments industry judged by Visa executives, clients and partners.
In 2022, Visa introduced the Special Edition competitions to reach a more diverse group of innovators solving unique payments problems. Today, applications for the 2023 Visa Everywhere Initiative Special Edition competitions are now available for black-founded/focused startups as well as those founded by women and LGBTQA+ in the U.S.
“At Visa, we see our work with fintechs and startups as an excellent opportunity to reinvent a better way for consumers to manage their finances and businesses to manage their operations,” said Erin Pursell, VP, NA Fintech and New Business Development, Visa. “Through the Visa Everywhere Initiative Special Editions, we are doubling down on our commitment to support businesses that are diverse-owned, diverse-led or focused on diverse target markets and to boost exposure to underrepresented founders who promote financial inclusion.”
Building a Community of Diverse Innovators
In 2022, the Visa Everywhere Initiative global finals were preceded by a year-long series of competitions that saw more than 4,000 entrepreneurs across the world presenting innovative ideas to solve the payment challenges of tomorrow.
Web3 fintech Zimbali Networks was named the Audience Favorite of the 2022 Black Community Special Edition competition. Cylton Collymore, Co-founder & CEO of Zimbali Networks delivered his pitch on how his company is working on building a more seamless and inclusive cross border money movement experience with a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) management solution.
“Together with Visa, we can deliver a global solution that makes digital currency management secure and fast, digital payments and distributions direct, and digital wallet usage easy and accessible,” said Cylton Collymore, Co-founder and CEO, Zimbali Networks. “At Zimbali Networks, we are committed to helping those who have been left behind [in the financial system] be visible again.”
To further promote the success of diverse communities, the 2023 Visa Everywhere Initiative Special Edition competitions will continue to highlight a new wave of diverse-founded startups and fintechs in the United States.
Competition Prizes
As a part of the Visa Everywhere Initiative Special Edition, Visa will hold separate pitch competitions in May, June and July for black founded/focused startups, for those founded by LGBTQ+, and for those founded by women.
Each competition will award two prizes for an overall winner and audience favorite:
- Overall Winner: $20,000 USD
- Audience Favorite: $5,000 USD
Applications for the 2023 Visa Everywhere Initiative Special Edition competitions are now open. Check back later to learn more about the 2023 Visa Everywhere Initiative Global competitions.