Seedstars and the Financial Times have launched a $500,000 challenge for early-stage startups
The Financial Times is hosting the first FTxSDG Challenge in collaboration with Seedstars, a Swiss-based organization that invests in and supports startups from emerging countries. The competition was created to provide learning and financial opportunities to innovative, impact-driven firms and entrepreneurs. The application period is now open.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being highlighted in order to raise awareness of global concerns while also encouraging entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to these problems. The FTxSDG Challenge competition will bring together early-stage firms from emerging markets as well as individual entrepreneurs.
150 people will be asked to tackle real-world business problems and offer creative methods focused on Sustainable Development Goals. Gender equality, climate action, quality education (sponsored by the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR), good jobs and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and good health and well-being are among the subjects chosen.
The event includes a one-month subscription to Seedstars’ Investment Readiness Sessions as well as a five-day event with workshops, masterclasses, presentations, mentoring, and networking delivered by FT and Seedstars professionals. Winning firms will be accelerated into the Seedstars Investments Fund, where they can receive up to $500,000 in funding.
“Seedstars is very delighted to launch the FTxSDG Challenge,” stated Alisee De Tonnac, CEO of Seedstars. Our team has been organizing the Seedstars World Competition since 2013, with the goal of supporting and investing in impact-driven entrepreneurs from developing countries.
We’re convinced that by collaborating with the Financial Times, we’ll be able to amplify this mission through the FTxSDG Challenge. I’m excited to see how our combined efforts can provide entrepreneurs with even more tools and access to a broader global network of professional mentors and investors.”
“We’re excited to see FT Talent evolve to include assisting early firms, as well as young professionals who are passionate about technology and entrepreneurship,” said Jon Slade, FT’s Chief Commercial Officer. Seedstars is a game-changing opportunity for us to engage and make a positive influence on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
“This relationship with Seedstars is our first startup challenge and supports the SDG’s important agenda,” Virginia Stagni, Business Development Manager & FT Talent Director, Financial Times, stated. The FT Talent project is taking a further step by including businesses rather than just individuals.”
The application deadline is November 1st.
Please check the website for further details.
