Visa Everywhere Initiative Latin America and the Caribbean 2021
Visa Everywhere Initiative is an open innovation program that connects Visa with startups and Fintechs that are solving tomorrow’s greatest challenges and empowers their visionary solutions through Visa’s partner network.
Launched in 2017 in Latin America and the Caribbean, Visa Everywhere Initiative LAC has proven itself as the greatest platform to connect with Fintech startups throughout the region. Over 1,300 startups have participated in this initiative and the finalists have received a combined total of over $40 million USD in financing since participating.
In the 2021 edition, Visa and Finnovista are recruiting the 5 top startups of Latin America and the Caribbean to participate in a virtual immersion program in order to accelerate collaborations with Visa and select the first place winner in the region who will participate in the global final event of Visa Everywhere Initiative 2021, broadcasted live through TechCrunch, and will compete for the $100,000 USD in prize money.
Do you want to enter your startup on the world stage with the help of Visa and Finnovista? Register in the Visa Everywhere Initiative startup network through the application form before April 2, 2021!
What types of solutions are we looking for?
We are looking for startups that are developing innovative solutions and payments experiences for consumers and businesses. Some relevant segments we’re targeting in our recruitment include, but are not limited to:
Segment 1
Enabler of Digital Services and Digital Issuers
This category is ideal for startups in the following sectors:
Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Crowdfunding, Banking as a Services, BIN Sponsors, Issuer / Processors, Loyalty Program Managers
Segment 2
Digital Issuance
This category is ideal for startups in the following sectors:
Blockchain & Cryptocurrency, Alternative Lending, Personal Financial Management, Money Transfer & Remittance, Digital Banking (aka Neo Banks), Digital Wallets, P2P & Transfers, Employee Benefits, Payables, Corporate Cards (aka expense management)
Segment 3
Value-Add for Merchants or Consumers in Finance
This category is ideal for startups in the following sectors:
Data & Analytics, ID, Authentication & Security , InsurTech, Loyalty, Merchant Services & Tools, Process & Payment Infrastructure, Retail Technology, Other
Segment 4
SME Business Recovery
This category is ideal for startups in the following sectors:
Money Movement (disbursements, Intra-account, P2P vendor, payments), Acceptance (e-commerce, mobile acceptance), Risk Management (chargebacks, etc.), Brand Management (Community building, etc.), Other
Prize
The 5 finalists from Latin America and the Caribbean will participate in a virtual immersion program, designed to accelerate collaboration with Visa. The program will culminate in a virtual final event that will be broadcast live through TechCrunch and the finalists will present their pitch to the audience. Then, Visa will announce the LAC regional winner who will go on to participate in the global Visa Everywhere Initiative for the chance to win +$100,000 USD in prizes in addition to presenting on the global stage. .
- 1Immersion program
- 2 Opportunity to compete in Visa Everywhere Initiative Global
- 3Up to $105,000 USD in prizes
The 5 finalist startups will have the opportunity to participate in a remote 2-week immersion program. This program will have finalists design a pilot with workshops focused on planning their pilot together with Visa representatives, in addition to other useful content and relationship building.
The winner of VEI LAC 2021 will participate in the global final of Visa Everywhere Initiative, which will provide their startup with visibility on a worldwide level. Also, startup solutions will be set apart as some of the top Fintech innovations of the year, in front of investors, companies and other key players in the ecosystem.
The Overall Winner of the global 2021 edition will receive a prize of $50,000 USD, the second place winner $15,000 USD and the third place finalist a total of $10,000 USD. *The Overall Winner, 2nd place-winner, and 3rd place-winner are also eligible to win the Audience Favorite prize. Additionally, the regional Latin America and Caribbean winner will also receive a $5,000 USD prize. This is a unique opportunity to receive new funds that will add value to your startup solution.
Why apply
Do you want to be mentored by top professionals from the payments ecosystem to improve your business? The startups that collaborate with Visa will have access to the expertise of their key executives as well as Finnovista’s mentor network that will help enhance your business in the growth and expansion phase.
Would you like to access key partners in the entrepreneur ecosystem? Visa Everywhere Initiative gives you the chance to get to know fundamental players from the payments ecosystem throughout the region who can connect you with industry partners that will help boost your business.
Do you want the whole world to know about your solution? The participating startups increase their visibility throughout the entrepreneurship community throughout the duration of the program. Finalists improve their digital and media presence.
Timeline
FEB 9
Applications open
ApplicationsAPR 2
Applications close
ApplicationsAPR 30
Announcement: startups selected for the chance to participate in the global stage
Announcement 1MAY 17-28
Virtual immersionJUN 23
LAC Final EventSEPT 14
Final global competition
Final
Our Entrepreneurs
- “The recognition of having been the first winners of this competition allowed us to start working with acquirers and brands at a completely different level from the one we had been previously working on. We are grateful for the doors that were opened to us and the real opportunities close thanks to it.”
Sebastián Cadenas
CEO at
Increase
- “Visa Everywhere Initiative was our turning point. We went from being a promising Fintech in LatAm to being a consolidated company with a regional scope, backed by one of the most powerful brands in the world: Visa. VEI and Finnovista connected us with the Visa team, which helped us grow our business exponentially.”
Nathan Schorr
Co-Founder & CEO at
Flexio
- “Winning in 2018 meant starting to work more closely with Visa, knowing what its purpose is, and establishing a joint goal: help more companies accept payments in LatAm more easily. We are confident that we have gained a lifetime partner for Culqi.”
Nicolás Di Pace
Co-Fundador & CPO at
Culqi
