The Goal The Inclusive Fintech 50 aims to make early-stage fintechs more visible to investors and others who can help them grow and have a noticeable impact on the billions of financially underserved people. Additionally, the initiative supports the broader inclusive fintech ecosystem through actionable market-level insights generated from aggregated and anonymized applicant data.
Why apply? MAJOR PUBLICITY Build a global profile in front of leading investors and our media and outreach partners that we’ve handpicked, who each reach deep into their local ecosystems and, together, cover most of the world. Not to mention the publicity generated by our global sponsors and supporting partners. OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN CREDIBILITY WITH RELEVANT INVESTORS AND PARTNERS We worked with investors to create questions that get beyond the fluff to identify startups poised for success. A panel of industry experts – including founders and investors – will select the winners. The 50 selected fintechs will have the opportunity to participate in virtual events with relevant investors and partners. DIGITAL FEATURES The 50 selected fintechs will be featured and promoted across the global fintech ecosystem through a publication, the Center for Financial Inclusion’s website, the VC4A website, and social media. SIMPLE PROCESS The application can be completed in a reasonable amount of time and doesn’t require multiple rounds of phone calls or interviews. Our selection criteria are comprehensive and rigorous, but straightforward.
Eligibility criteria Fintechs applying to Inclusive Fintech 50 should be early-stage companies focused on underserved segments (i.e., Populations that have not been traditionally served by formal financial institutions). Fintechs that are self-funded, seed-stage, Series A, or Series B are welcome to apply. Applicants can be B2C, B2B, or B2B2C with a solution among credit, insurance, payments & remittances, savings & personal financial management, or infrastructure addressing challenges of underserved segments. Applications will be accepted in English, Spanish, and French. Geography: Global – fintechs from advanced and emerging markets are encouraged to apply.