The Visa Everywhere Initiative: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Inclusive Economic Growth
The Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) is back, and this time it’s making waves with a special focus on women entrepreneurs. With a mission to drive inclusive economic growth, the initiative aims to provide everyone, everywhere with access to the global economy. This year, the spotlight is on innovative solutions from women founders, showcasing their potential to transform the financial landscape.
A Special Edition Competition
On July 12, 2023, at 10 am PT/1 pm ET, TechCrunch will host a thrilling event where four startup finalists will compete in the women’s special edition of the Visa Everywhere Initiative. These finalists will present their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, all vying for the chance to win monetary prizes that can significantly impact their businesses. This competition marks the culmination of the 2023 Special Edition competitions, where Visa has committed to supporting a diverse group of women founders from the U.S., particularly those from the Black, LGBTQ+, and women communities.
Prizes That Matter
The stakes are high in this competition, with two monetary prizes up for grabs:
- Overall Winner: $20,000 USD
- Audience Favorite: $5,000 USD
These prizes not only provide financial support but also serve as a recognition of the hard work and innovation that these women have put into their startups. The financial backing can help propel their businesses to new heights, allowing them to scale their operations and reach wider audiences.
Meet the Finalists
The competition features an impressive lineup of finalists, each bringing unique solutions to the table:
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Kata Ludvig – Founder & CEO | Baoba
Kata is at the helm of Baoba, a startup that aims to revolutionize financial accessibility for underserved communities. -
Nichole Montoya – Co-Founder & CEO | Cheddar Up
Nichole leads Cheddar Up, a platform designed to simplify group payments and fundraising, making it easier for communities to come together financially. -
Fernanda Orduña – Co-Founder & Software Developer | Decaf
Fernanda’s Decaf is focused on enhancing digital payment solutions, ensuring that users have a seamless experience in managing their finances. - Jacklyn Rome – Founder & CEO | Onward
Jacklyn’s Onward is dedicated to providing innovative financial tools that empower individuals to take control of their financial futures.
The Judging Panel
The competition will be judged by a panel of experts who bring a wealth of experience in finance and entrepreneurship:
- Angela Kadon, Sr Director, Visa Ventures | Visa
- Kate Dinota, Director, North America II&S | Visa
- Kristin Slink, Founder CEO | Tech AF Founder Academy
- Bukie Adebo Umeano – Investor | Anthemis
These judges will evaluate the finalists based on their innovation, feasibility, and potential impact, ensuring that the best ideas rise to the top.
Awards Presentation
The awards will be presented by Marie-Elise Droga, SVP, Head of Fintech Partnerships, Global and North America | Visa, who will recognize the hard work and creativity of the finalists. This moment not only celebrates their achievements but also highlights Visa’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the fintech space.
Looking Ahead: Global Finals
The excitement doesn’t end with the women’s special edition competition. Visa is gearing up for the global finals of the Visa Everywhere Initiative, scheduled for September 19, 2023. Selected startups from around the world will pitch their solutions on stage at TechCrunch Disrupt, providing them with a platform to gain international exposure. Winners from the Special Edition competitions will also have the opportunity to showcase their startups in the Expo Hall, further amplifying their reach.
A Legacy of Support for Startups
Since its inception in 2015, the Visa Everywhere Initiative has attracted nearly 12,000 startups from over 100 countries, collectively raising more than $16 billion in funding. Each year, Visa expands the initiative to include diverse startups tackling unique challenges in the payments industry. This year’s focus on Black, LGBTQ+, and women-founded startups underscores Visa’s commitment to fostering innovation and inclusivity in the financial sector.
The Visa Everywhere Initiative is not just a competition; it’s a movement aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and creating a more inclusive global economy. By supporting women founders and diverse startups, Visa is paving the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.