The Visa Everywhere Initiative is a global competition that awards fintech startups with cash prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for creating innovative payment and commerce solutions. Since launching in 2015, this program has helped over 15,000 startups from more than 100 countries collectively raise over $48 billion in funding.
What is the Visa Everywhere Grant?
The Visa Everywhere Initiative is not a traditional grant program. It is a global startup competition run by Visa that tasks fintech entrepreneurs with solving payment challenges of tomorrow. Winners receive equity free funding, mentorship, and potential collaboration opportunities with Visa.
The program operates in multiple regions worldwide:
- North America
- Latin America and Caribbean
- Europe
- Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA)
- Asia Pacific
Key Benefit: Unlike typical grants, winners gain access to Visa’s vast network of partners in banking, merchant services, venture capital, and government sectors.
Prize Amounts and Awards
The Visa Everywhere Initiative offers substantial cash prizes to winning startups.
Standard Prize Structure
At major events like TechCrunch Disrupt, the global winner can receive up to $100,000 in grant funding. Regional winners and audience favorites also receive additional prizes.
Beyond Cash Prizes
Winners also receive:
- A 3 week virtual immersion program with Visa experts
- Pilot design and planning workshops
- Access to Visa’s professional network and mentors
- Priority access to key partners in the payment ecosystem
- Media exposure and visibility boost
- Potential for collaborative relationship with Visa
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the Visa Everywhere Initiative, your startup must meet specific criteria.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
Focus Areas and Technologies
Visa looks for startups working in these sectors:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Big Data and Open Banking
- Cloud Computing
- Digital Identity and Biometrics
- Cybersecurity and Privacy
- Fraud and Risk Management
- Alternative Finance and Lending
- Blockchain Technology
- Peer to Peer Payments
- Mobile Payment Infrastructure
- Internet of Things
- Loyalty Programs
Challenge Categories
The initiative typically focuses on solving specific challenges :
Small Business Recovery:
- Accept contactless and mobile payments
- E-commerce growth solutions
- Faster money movement
- Liquidity solutions
- Chargebacks and disputes management
- POS lending
Frictionless Mobility:
- Mass transit payment solutions
- Micro mobility services
- Ticketing and mobility payments
- Contactless transportation systems
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward and done entirely online.
Step by Step Application Process
- Visit the official Visa Everywhere Initiative website for your region
- Create an account or register for the current competition
- Complete the online application form with details about your business
- Describe your solution and how it addresses payment related challenges
- Submit supporting materials and documentation
- Wait for selection announcement
Information Required in Your Application
Application Timeline
Application periods vary by region. Typical timelines include:
- Applications open for several weeks to months
- Regional competitions held throughout the year
- Global finale often at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco (October)
Tip: Check the official Visa Everywhere Initiative website for current deadlines in your region. Application periods may be extended at Visa’s discretion.
The Selection Process
After applications close, Visa reviews submissions and selects finalists through multiple stages.
Competition Stages
What Judges Look For
Your startup will be evaluated on:
- Innovation and uniqueness of your payment solution
- Market potential and scalability
- Team capabilities and experience
- Product development stage and traction
- Alignment with Visa’s strategic priorities
Other Visa Grant Programs
Beyond the Everywhere Initiative, Visa offers additional funding opportunities through different programs.
Visa She’s Next Grant Program
This program specifically supports women owned businesses.
The She’s Next program runs in partnership with IFundWomen and operates in multiple countries including the US, UK, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and UAE.
Visa Everywhere Pioneers Programme
This European program provides:
- Cash grants of £2,000 or €2,000 (depending on location)
- Access to business mentorship
- Support for underrepresented entrepreneurs
Visa Foundation Grants
The Visa Foundation focuses on broader social impact:
- Supports financially underserved populations
- Aids micro and small enterprises globally
- Partners with nonprofits and NGOs
- Grants range from $1,000 to $7.4 million
- Does not accept unsolicited proposals
Important: The Visa Foundation operates through invitation only strategic partnerships. Organizations cannot apply directly but may be identified through employee nominations via the Visa Foundation Gives program.
Tips for a Winning Application
Increase your chances of success with these strategies.
Before You Apply
- Research previous winners to understand what Visa values
- Ensure your solution directly addresses payment challenges
- Build a clear demonstration of market traction
- Prepare a compelling pitch deck
In Your Application
- Be specific about how your solution integrates with payment systems
- Highlight any existing partnerships or pilot programs
- Demonstrate scalability potential across multiple markets
- Show how your team has relevant fintech experience
- Include metrics: users, revenue, growth rates
What Makes Applications Stand Out
| Strong Application | Weak Application |
|---|---|
| Proven product with real users | Concept only with no traction |
| Clear integration with Visa ecosystem | Generic business idea |
| Specific payment problem solved | Vague value proposition |
| Experienced fintech team | No relevant industry experience |
| Scalable across regions | Limited market potential |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Visa Everywhere Initiative a grant or a competition?
It is a competition that awards grant style prizes. Winners receive equity free cash awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on their placement and the specific competition.
Do I need to be a fintech startup to apply?
Yes, the program is specifically designed for technology startups focused on innovative payment and commerce solutions. Your product must address challenges in the payments ecosystem.
How much does it cost to apply?
There is no application fee for the Visa Everywhere Initiative. All prize money awarded is equity free, meaning Visa does not take ownership stake in winning companies.
Can startups from any country apply?
Yes, the initiative operates globally across more than 100 countries. However, you must apply through the regional competition that covers your location.
What happens after I win?
Winners gain access to Visa’s network of partners, participate in mentorship programs, and may develop collaborative relationships with Visa including pilot proof of concept projects .
How is the Visa Foundation different from the Everywhere Initiative?
The Visa Foundation is a philanthropic arm that makes grants to nonprofits and does not accept unsolicited applications. The Everywhere Initiative is an open competition for fintech startups.
Key Takeaways
- Global competition for fintech startups solving payment challenges, not a traditional grant
- Prize amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on placement and event
- Eligibility requires an early or growth stage startup with proven product and market traction
- Focus areas include AI, blockchain, biometrics, mobile payments, and open banking
- Application is free and submitted online through the official Visa website
- 15,000+ startups from 100+ countries have participated since 2015
- Winners receive cash prizes, mentorship, immersion programs, and Visa network access
- She’s Next program provides separate grants for women owned businesses
- Visa Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and operates by invitation only
- Check deadlines regularly as application periods vary by region
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