2024 Visa Accelerator Program (Asia-Pacific)

Deadline: 8 March 2024

The Visa Accelerator Program is designed for growth stage companies looking to expand their market reach, with a focus on product solutioning, technical integration and fast-tracked commercialisation.

The Visa Accelerator Program was created to help startups unlock their growth potential and scale across the Asia Pacific region, by collaborating on joint solutions that address the biggest opportunities in digital payments.

Together with Visa’s payment experts, product architects and business development teams, startups in the Visa Accelerator Program get to rapidly co-develop, test, and iterate new solutions, while pursuing tangible go-to-market opportunities with the extensive network of financial institutions, merchants and digital partners over a course of six months.

Opportunities Areas

Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Generative AI
- How might they harness artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, to power transformative payment experiences?
- Examples
  - Generative AI Solutions
  - Customer Experience Enhancement
  - Fraud Monitoring & Prevention
  - Risk Management
  - Dispute Management
Embedded Finance
- How might they reshape the fusion of financial services into existing journeys to create seamless offerings across all payment methods?
- Examples
  - Fintech-as-a-Service
  - Social Commerce
  - Multi-rail/Alternative Rail Payments
  - B2B Platform Enablers
  - Lending
Global Money Movement
- How might they transform the future of cross-border money movement in an increasingly global consumer and business environment?
- Examples
  - FX & Cross-currency Liquidity & Management
  - Supply Chain Payments
  - Tuition Payments
  - Earned Wage Access
  - Creator Payouts
Digital Acceptance for MSMBs
- How might they empower Micro, Small & Medium Businesses to easily and rapidly start accepting and making card and non-card payments at scale?
- Examples
  - Creator Economy & Social Sellers
  - Faster Seller Onboarding
  - Real-time Payments
  - Low-to-No Touchpoint Payment Experiences
  - E-Invoicing
Loyalty of the Future
- How might they redefine loyalty for businesses to acquire and encourage deeper interaction, with the consumers of tomorrow?
- Examples
  - Segment Focused Loyalty (Affluent, Gen Z)
  - Targeting & Segmentation for Businesses
  - Hyper-personalization
  - Pre & Post Transaction Customer Engagement
  - Omni-channel Merchant Loyalty

Why apply?

Rapid Testing
- Test and validate your solution efficiently through a focused Proof of Concept (POC) to generate maximum impact within a short timeline
- Get equity-free funding of up to US$50,000, at Visa’s discretion, to support your POC
- Get business and technical support to build and deploy your solution
Access & Partnerships
- Get exclusive introductions to Visa’s global network of clients and partners
- Explore tailored partnerships and commercialisation opportunities post-program
- Follow-on integration with Visa ecosystem initiatives and programs
Exclusive Mentorship
- Access Visa leadership and subject matter experts to build your roadmap
- Dedicated Visa Sponsor and POC working team, to open doors and champion your startup
- Access Plug & Play’s renowned mentor network to fast track your growth
Scale Your Business
- Expand into new regions with the market-specific expertise
- A fast track for follow-on pilots, commercial agreements, co-creation, and even potential funding for successful POCs across Asia-Pacific
- Get recognised on the global stage as one of the elite startups accepted into the program

Who are they looking for?

Mission Alignment
- Startups with solutions addressing one of the following opportunity areas:
  - Artificial Intelligence (AI)/ Generative AI
  - Embedded Finance
  - Global Money Movement
  - Digital Acceptance for MSMBs
  - Loyalty of the Future
Proven Solution
- Startups with a market-tested solution that has gained traction
- A clearly articulated scope and business rationale for a POC with Visa
Growth Stage
- At least 9-12 months runway (Series A and above)
- Resources available for POC testing with Visa (startup can dedicate time and focus without impacting core operations)
Asia Pacific Focus
- Startups that demonstrate commitment to expanding in Asia Pacific
- Existing operations in the region is a plus.