Roll out the red carpet, because the “Financial Oscars” are about to commence. In a collision of finance and technology, Visa has announced its finalists for the 2023 Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) set to unfold at TechCrunch Disrupt. These finalists are not merely participants but the trailblazers who are shaping the future of how we deal with money.
Hosting this rendezvous of fintech innovation at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, Visa and TechCrunch are pulling all stops to highlight promising startups and fintech companies. Since its inception in 2015, VEI has been a platform for startups from over 100 countries. Talk about reach; these companies have collectively raised more than $16 billion in funding after their stint at VEI. That’s like a booster rocket for enterprises that are still in their diapers, figuratively speaking, of course.
What’s the trophy? A hefty sum of $50,000 USD will be awarded to one global winner. The finalists will be pitching their payment solutions to a handpicked panel of judges who have seen it all and have the expertise to evaluate the nuances of fintech. And let’s be honest, when Visa says they’ve picked an esteemed panel, you can bet your last Bitcoin they mean business.
The VEI’s mission isn’t just about creating the next billionaire; it’s about inclusion and diversity. According to Visa, this year saw a significant uptick in diverse applicants. Women-led businesses accounted for nearly half of the entrants. Even minority-owned businesses have found a solid footing post-pandemic, tripling their numbers and pumping fresh, inclusive ideas into the fintech ecosystem. In the words of Marie-Elise Droga, SVP and Head of Global and North America Fintech Partnerships at Visa, “At Visa, innovation is at the heart of everything we do.”
The final showdown will have representatives from around the globe. From Jonas Overgaard, the Founder & CEO at Anyday, to Carolina Nucamendi, Co-founder & CEO at Waivr, the finalists represent the tapestry of global fintech. The judges will scrutinize each pitch based on quality, presentation, feasibility, and the potential for collaboration with Visa and its partners.
Speaking of judges, the panel is like a fintech Avengers team featuring industry leaders. The 2023 awards won’t just honor the overall global winner but will also spotlight the audience favorite and a special Visa Direct award, each coming with a $10,000 purse. Besides, there’s going to be a fireside chat with Wade Arnold, Co-Founder and CEO of Moov Financial, who sped to success after winning the 2021 VEI.
So mark your calendars for September 19, from 3:40-4:50 pm PST. For those who can’t make it to the Moscone Center, fear not; TechCrunch will livestream the whole shebang.
In summary, the Visa Everywhere Initiative is not just another competition; it’s a celebration of fintech innovation that promises to change the way we interact with money. And if the past is anything to go by, we can expect the future of money movement to be nothing short of revolutionary.
