Visa has disclosed the names of the five finalists who will be showcasing their creative payment solutions at the Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) 2023 Global Finals. Jonas Overgaard, Saksham Shubham, Chibuzo Opara, Jeff Catalano, and Carolina Nucamendi will present their ideas to a panel of fintech specialists, with each participant having four minutes for their pitch and another four minutes for a Q&A session. Competing for the grand prize of $100,000 and the chance to work with Visa on future projects, these entrepreneurs could potentially change the way we manage financial transactions. The finalists’ payment solutions cover a variety of improvements, from heightened security to enhanced accessibility, highlighting their dedication to developing a more secure and connected financial ecosystem for everyone.

The Experts on the Adjudicating Panel

The adjudicating panel will comprise esteemed professionals such as Ayodeji Arikawe from Thrive Agric, Rodrigo Barros de Paula from Visa, Akshay Chopra from Visa, Ralph Koker from Visa, and Dan Roesbery from Visa. The contestants will be assessed on various aspects, like solution excellence, presentation quality, collaboration potential with Visa and its clientele, and the desirability, uniqueness, and feasibility of their proposition. The panel’s combined experience and expertise will be critical in selecting the startup that excels in innovation and promises significant impact in the payments domain. The winning startup will not only have the chance to work with Visa and its vast client network but also gain a substantial edge in presenting their one-of-a-kind solutions to a broader audience, spurring change and growth in the fintech sector.

Opportunity for Audience Voting and Fireside Discussion

After the contestants’ presentations, the audience will cast their votes for their favorite finalist. As the votes are tallied and the judges deliberate, Marie-Elise Droga, SVP and Head of Global and North America Fintech Partnerships at Visa, will hold a fireside chat with Wade Arnold, the co-founder and CEO of Moov Financial, who won the Visa Everywhere Initiative 2021 Global Finals. Attendees can expect valuable insights and experiences from Wade Arnold about how winning the Visa Everywhere Initiative has impacted Moov Financial’s progress and expansion. This engaging conversation will offer a unique outlook on the fintech landscape and motivate future entrepreneurs to embrace new challenges and opportunities in the constantly evolving industry.

The Big Announcement and Invaluable Opportunities

Droga and Arnold will then announce the VEI 2023 Global Finals main winner. Following this revelation, the primary winner will enjoy global recognition and a host of opportunities to further develop their business endeavors. This honor will not only provide a competitive edge but also access to invaluable networking prospects within the industry.

Highlighting Women-led Fintechs and Underrepresented Communities

In addition to the five finalists, Visa will showcase the capabilities of three female-led fintechs in the Expo Hall. These women-led fintechs demonstrate the increasingly influential role of women entrepreneurs and their innovative solutions in the financial technology industry. By highlighting their accomplishments at the event, Visa aims to encourage gender diversity and nurture an inclusive environment for up-and-coming fintech firms.

These startups participated in Visa’s North America Special Editions startup competitions, which focused on underrepresented populations across the nation. By taking part in these contests, these innovative startups gained crucial exposure and networking opportunities, potentially attracting investors and partners. Such initiatives also underscore the inventiveness and potential present in marginalized communities, ultimately promoting a more inclusive and varied entrepreneurial landscape in the United States.

Visa Everywhere Initiative Global Finals: A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

The Visa Everywhere Initiative Global Finals will take place from September 19-21. This esteemed global contest seeks to discover the most innovative fintech solutions and startups in the financial sector. Participants from all over the world will convene to exhibit their revolutionary ideas, with winners being awarded funding, networking prospects, and insightful guidance from seasoned industry experts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the finalists of the Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) 2023 Global Finals?

The five finalists are Jonas Overgaard, Saksham Shubham, Chibuzo Opara, Jeff Catalano, and Carolina Nucamendi. They will showcase their creative payment solutions at the VEI 2023 Global Finals, competing for the grand prize of $100,000 and the chance to work with Visa on future projects.

What are the criteria for assessing the finalists?

The contestants will be assessed on solution excellence, presentation quality, collaboration potential with Visa and its clientele, and the desirability, uniqueness, and feasibility of their proposition by an esteemed panel of professionals from the fintech sector.

What happens after the contestants have presented their ideas?

After the contestants’ presentations, the audience will cast their votes for their favorite finalist. Marie-Elise Droga, SVP and Head of Global and North America Fintech Partnerships at Visa, will hold a fireside chat with Wade Arnold, the co-founder and CEO of Moov Financial, who won the Visa Everywhere Initiative 2021 Global Finals. The main winner of the VEI 2023 Global Finals will be announced after this discussion.

How does Visa promote women-led fintechs and underrepresented communities at this event?

Visa will showcase the capabilities of three female-led fintechs in the Expo Hall, emphasizing the influential role of women entrepreneurs in the financial technology industry. These startups participated in Visa’s North America Special Editions competitions, which focused on underrepresented populations, gaining crucial exposure and networking opportunities.

When and where will the Visa Everywhere Initiative Global Finals take place?

The Visa Everywhere Initiative Global Finals will take place from September 19-21. This global contest seeks to discover the most innovative fintech solutions and startups in the financial sector, offering winners funding, networking prospects, and insightful guidance from seasoned industry experts.

First Reported on: techcrunch.com
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