Visa, as a global leader in payments, understands that the future of fintechs must necessarily go through strategic diversification. In the face of a constantly evolving market, marked by the rapid emergence of new technologies and increasingly high customer expectations, the need to vary approaches and solutions is crucial. By issuing an urgent call for diversification, Visa is not only seeking to adapt but also to anticipate upcoming challenges, stimulate innovation, and ensure sustainable financial inclusion. In this momentum, the company positions itself as a catalyst for change, encouraging startups and established players to explore new horizons to remain competitive in a dynamic and unpredictable ecosystem.
Visa, in partnership with the innovation platform Plug and Play, has recently launched an urgent call for applications for the second cohort of its Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator. This program aims to accelerate the growth of FinTech startups led by diverse founders.
The Need for Inclusivity in the FinTech Sector
Companies are looking for FinTech startups that meet several criteria: they must be led by an underrepresented founder, be committed to serving underserved segments in North America, demonstrate a passion and commitment to inclusion, and/or show resilience in the field.
Access to Visa Resources
The selected startups will benefit from exclusive access to the network and resources of Visa. They will also receive mentorship from industry leaders and be eligible for pilot projects and strategic partnerships with Visa.
Impact and Future Perspectives
The six-month program will culminate with a presentation at a Plug and Play summit in Silicon Valley in June 2025. This initiative was launched to encourage greater innovation and progress by promoting diversity.
According to Vanessa Colella, global head of innovation and digital partnerships at Visa: “We introduced the Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator to encourage greater innovation and progress by supporting diversity.”
The Success of the First Cohort
The call for applications for the second cohort follows the success of the first, which included 21 startups. These companies developed FinTech solutions for money transfer, consumer banking, and lending, as well as for social creators.
Visa and Plug and Play in Action in Canada
In January, Visa Canada announced its support for Plug and Play’s entry into the Canadian Fintech market, allowing Canadian Fintechs to access Visa’s global network, participate in exclusive interactive events, and connect with new partners.
Reasons to Diversify the Future of Fintechs
| Reason | Description |
| Accelerated Innovation | Diversity fosters new ideas and innovative solutions in the FinTech sector. |
| Access to Underserved Markets | Diverse startups often target underserved market segments. |
| Resilience and Commitment | Startups led by underrepresented founders often demonstrate great resilience and strong commitment. |
| Strategic Partnerships | Program participants can benefit from strategic partnerships with Visa. |
| Mentorship and Networking | Selected startups benefit from mentorship from industry leaders and access to an expanded network. |
