CAF Laboratory on Financial Inclusion

CAF -Development Bank of Latin America- organizes the LIF 2020 to find solutions that promote financial inclusion and help mitigate the effects of Covid-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This year's edition focuses on 2 categories: Financial inclusion of vulnerable groups and Promotion of productivity SMEs.

The 11 best startups will be accelerated by Google for Startups, Endeavor or Seedstars, and will be eligible for financing from the main private banks and venture capital firms in Latin America and the Caribbean (see below the LIF 2020 partners).

Selection Process of the Laboratory

• CAF proposes challenges in two categories (financial inclusion of vulnerable groups and fostering the productivity of MSMEs) and entrepreneurs propose technological solutions.
• A committee formed by the LIF 2020 partners will evaluate the projects and invite the best ones to a pitch day & matchmaking event.
• All partners of the laboratory, both from the public and private sectors, will participate in the pitch day & matchmaking event, so that parallel opportunities for financing or strategic alliances could come up.
• The best 11 startups will be selected to participate in the acceleration programs offered by Google for Startups, Endeavor and Seedstars.

Key Dates

• Application: from September 21 to November 6, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
• Committee evaluation: from November 6 to November 20, 2020.
• Pitch day & matchmaking event: December 11, 2020.
• Acceleration of winning startups: from January to April 2021.

Awards and rewards

• The best 11 startups will be selected to participate in the acceleration programs offered by Google for Startups, Endeavor and Seedstars.
• All participants of the pitch day & matchmaking event will have the option of being financed by the main private banks and investment funds in the region.

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