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Asian blockchain, fintech startups competing to win up to $200k in investments
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Asian blockchain, fintech startups competing to win up to $200k in investments

Staff Writer
Staff Writer
January 31st, 2023
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Fintech and blockchain entrepreneurs are now invited to pitch the panel of investors and win up to $200,000 at the Asia Fintech and Blockchain Startup Competition 2020. This virtual elevator pitch contest runs until December 4 with finalists being announced December 15. Not only does the competition allow top Asian founders or companies working with Asia to showcase their business ideas, but it also fosters startup ecosystems in the least developed economies.

EDGE196, the organizer, aims to develop the startup ecosystems in all 48 Asian countries, giving an opportunity to business-minded individuals to reach their startup dreams. The objective is to identify the next generation of startups leading the transformation of the fintech and blockchain industries.

“We target entrepreneurs in developed countries and also in lesser  known countries where entrepreneurship is only at its inception. We want to support startup ecosystems in Laos, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan and alike to give an equal chance to everyone to build their companies”, said Jay Patel, the founder and CEO of EDGE196. “While technology is leading everyday lives in China, Singapore, HK or Japan, 40 million of Asian workers abroad are still struggling to remit money to their families in Asia.”

In fact, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The core problem, lack of access to capital to build fintech infrastructure, is a much bigger problem that  EDGE196 is trying to solve.

“We look forward to this competition and the opportunity it brings to the Asian fintech and blockchain ecosystems.” said Mr. Patel.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Startups working on innovative solutions related to blockchain and/or fintech technology;
  • Companies less than five years old;
  • Offering innovative, technologically advanced, and scalable products and services;
  • Showing initial signs of traction;
  • Individuals cannot be members of more than one team of applicants; and
  • Startups can be from any country in the world but should be relevant to Asia.

The winning teams of Asia Blockchain and Fintech Startup Competition will receive between $25,000 and $200,000 in equity investment and will be invited to become part of the EDGE196 incubator in Houston, Texas. During the 6 week program the startups will be mentored, evaluated and considered for an additional investment of up to $1,000,000.

The applications are open until December 4, 2020. Startups can apply directly at https://www.edge196.com/startup-competition-asia  

All funds awarded are equity investments subject to due diligence and the execution of appropriate investment documentation.

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