Catalyst Fund is an accelerator that supports inclusive tech innovators in emerging markets. They support impact companies offering accessible, affordable and appropriate solutions, designed for underserved individuals and micro and small enterprises, and accelerate the local ecosystems around them. Catalyst Fund Inclusive Fintech Accelerator supports early-stage innovators in emerging markets who are building affordable, appropriate and accessible inclusive fintech solutions designed for the world’s 3 billion underserved.
The Catalyst Fund accelerator combines catalytic grant capital, bespoke venture-building support delivered by industry experts, curated connections with Circle of Investors and Circle of Corporate Innovators and access to the best network of tech innovators worldwide. They support inclusive tech innovators across a number of sectors, including fintech and digital commerce, with a goal of improving the livelihoods and resilience of underserved customers and micro and small enterprises in emerging markets.
Catalyst Fund has accelerated 43 inclusive fintech companies across 14 markets globally since launching in 2015. The company selects startups operating in five key markets which are known to be home to Fintech startup hubs within their region but their populations also demonstrate significant gaps in financial health : Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Mexico and India.
The Catalyst Fund Inclusive Fintech Accelerator is managed by BFA Global and fiscally sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. The flagship program is supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), JPMorgan Chase & Co., and PayPal. It was originally launched in 2015 with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.