Visa, in collaboration with Plug and Play, the leading global innovation platform, has launched the application process for the second round of the Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator.
For the upcoming second cohort, Visa and Plug and Play are looking for startups that are innovating in financial technology. The pair are interested in those led by founders from underrepresented backgrounds or those dedicated to serving underserved communities in North America.
The Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator aims to fast-track the growth of fintech startups led by diverse founders. Following the success of its first cohort, which showcased 21 innovative founders pushing the boundaries of fintech, the accelerator aims to continue to champion and support diverse innovators in the fintech space.
The programme will run for six months and conclude with a presentation at Plug and Play’s semi-annual summit in Silicon Valley, scheduled for June 2025.
Startups must have a minimum viable product (MVP) and be based in the US or Canada to qualify for the accelerator. Selected startups will benefit from Visa’s broad network and resources, receive expert mentorship, have opportunities to participate in pilot projects and form strategic partnerships with Visa.
Vanessa Colella, Global Head of Innovation and Digital Partnerships at Visa, said: “We introduced the Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator to drive greater innovation and progress by championing diversity.
“We are so proud of our first cohort and all they accomplished and are thrilled to begin our search for the programme’s second cohort to uplift more diverse fintech founders and their brilliant ideas.”
Initiatives such as this one have supported many fintechs over the years. For example, in 2022, AML specialists Sygno announced its collaboration with the FIS Fintech Accelerator programme.
