Visa Accelerator Programme 2024 Ignites a New Wave of Innovation in Asia-Pacific Startups
Visa is calling on startups in the Asia-Pacific region to join the Visa Accelerator Programme 2024, a six-month initiative aimed at driving growth and commercialization opportunities. The programme, which has supported numerous startups since its inception, provides participants with access to mentors, cutting-edge technology, and investment prospects.
By launching this open call, Visa is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing fledgling businesses in the region. The company recognizes the importance of startups in driving innovation and wants to support their development, according to a news release issued on Monday.
Throughout the years, the Visa Accelerator Programme has proven highly successful in assisting startups in the Asia-Pacific region. Previous cohorts, including those from 2021 and 2022, have secured lucrative commercial deals with reputable regional clients and partners. In fact, Visa has formed partnerships and commercial agreements with multiple startups that have demonstrated significant innovation in the payments industry. Just last month, seven new startups were selected for the 2023 cohort.
The programme offers a unique collaborative opportunity, allowing startups to co-develop, test, and refine solutions with Visa’s payment experts and business development teams. In 2024, the focus will be on Building the Future of Commerce with Visa in five key areas: Artificial Intelligence/Generative AI, Embedded Finance, Global Money Movement, Digital Acceptance for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (MSMBs), and the Loyalty of the Future.
Ms. Ivana Tranchini, Visa Country Manager for Cambodia, expressed her excitement about the opportunities the programme provides to Cambodian innovators. She stated, At Visa, we are thrilled to give Cambodian innovators the opportunity to develop their talent and the next generation of digital payment solutions. The Visa Accelerator Programme seeks to solve real-world challenges and provide benefits to consumers, businesses, and the overall payments industry. Startups will get the chance to work with Visa’s experts for up to six months to bring their Proof-of-Concept to life. I can’t wait to see the creativity and practical know-how these startups bring to the table.
Selected startups will enjoy numerous benefits through the programme, including rapid solutioning and testing, equity-free funding of up to US$50,000, exclusive access to Visa’s global network and tailored partnerships, dedicated mentoring from a Visa sponsor, and business scalability through pilots, commercial agreements, and potential funding.
The application period for the Visa Accelerator Programme 2024 runs from January 8 to March 8, 2024. Notifications of selected applicants will be sent in April 2024, followed by the development of Proof-of-Concept from May to October 2024. The programme will culminate in a final Demo Day in November 2024. The programme aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and growth in the digital payments sector for startups in the Asia-Pacific region.
Visa’s commitment to supporting startups and driving innovation in the Asia-Pacific region positions the Visa Accelerator Programme 2024 as a catalyst for the next wave of breakthroughs in the digital payments industry. Startups in the region are encouraged to seize this opportunity to unlock their growth potential and propel their businesses to the forefront of the evolving commerce landscape.
