Are you a startup founder looking to scale fast, gain global exposure, and secure mentorship from one of the world’s leading financial technology firms? Then the Visa Accelerator Program Cohort 5 is your golden opportunity in 2025.
Backed by Visa, a global leader in digital payments, this accelerator is more than just a training initiative it’s a business transformation engine. With mentorship, access to funding, top-level Visa training, and partnership opportunities across Asia Pacific and beyond, the program is ideal for growth-stage startups ready to scale.
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About Visa Accelerator Program
The Visa Accelerator Program is an annual initiative designed to help fintech startups from across Asia-Pacific accelerate their product development, gain industry exposure, and partner directly with Visa and its expansive network of clients.
For the 2025 Cohort 5, Visa is looking for the most promising startups to solve real-world challenges in payments, embedded finance, security, and sustainability.
Visa is inviting applications for its Africa 2025 Accelerator. If your startup has a working MVP or market-ready product and operates within the continent, the Visa Accelerator program is for you.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Visa Accelerator Program Cohort 5, your startup must meet the following criteria:
- Seed to Series A startups with a functional MVP and early traction
- Solutions aligned with Visa’s financial themes (payments, embedded finance, SME support, sustainable finance, payment infrastructure)
- Teams based in Africa or planning regional expansion
Note: Startups from sectors like digital banking, lending, embedded finance, payment infrastructure, fraud prevention, and ESG-related technologies are highly encouraged to apply.
Program Benefits
The Visa Accelerator Program Cohort 5 goes far beyond simple mentorship. Successful applicants will receive:
- Mentorship: Get direct access to experienced founders and industry professionals through 1:1 mentorship sessions. Receive practical, no-fluff advice from people who’ve been where you are, and made it.
- Visa training: Enhance your FinTech know-how with exclusive training from Visa. Tap into the developer portal, tools, and solution expertise to help you build smarter and scale with confidence.
- Knowledge and expertise: Gain the insights you need to succeed with a comprehensive program covering product design, marketing, finance, sales, and more. Learn how to grow faster and smarter with expert guidance at every step.
- Pitch and funding opportunities: Showcase your startup to top investors, including Visa, Plug and Play, and leading VCs at Demo Day. Seize the opportunity to raise capital and make meaningful connections.
- Product perks: Access over US$200,000 in partner credits and service discounts to help accelerate your growth and reduce early-stage costs.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with industry giants and game-changers. Build real relationships that drive your startup forward.
How to Apply
Getting into the Visa Accelerator Program is competitive, but the process is straightforward. Here’s how to apply:
👉 APPLY HERE FOR VISA ACCELERATOR PROGRAM COHORT 5
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
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