Call For Applications: SHIFT Program 2025 For Growth-Stage Fintechs in Sub-Saharan Africa, MENA, and Asia (Up to $10,000 Grant)
SHIFT (Scaling Holistic Inclusion in Fintech Transformation) is a migration-focused support program for growth-stage fintechs in Sub-Saharan Africa, MENA, and Asia.
They back ventures that already serve or are ready to pivot to serve women affected by migration and other vulnerable communities. Through results-based grants, tailored mentorship, investor connections, and global visibility, SHIFT helps fintechs strengthen their business, scale inclusive financial solutions, and drive lasting impact.
Eligibility
SHIFT is open to growth-stage fintechs that meet the following criteria:
- Sectors: Operates in fintech or embedded fintech (offering financial services such as credit, insurance, payments).
- Stage: Growth-stage company with proven traction and revenue.
- Fundraising Readiness: Has raised funding in the past 12 months or is actively planning to raise capital.
- Business Model: For-profit and revenue-generating, with strong potential to scale.
- Geographic Eligibility: Based in or operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa (MENA), or Asia.
- Impact Focus: Already serves women affected by migration or willing to pivot/scale products and services tailored to the financial needs of women affected by migration (WAM).
Benefits
Selected ventures will receive:
- $10K Results-Based Grant: Flexible funding to implement solutions for women affected by migration.
- Tailored Mentorship & Expert Support: Guidance from migration industry experts and peer learning to strengthen your business model, impact, and investment readiness.
- Investor & Partner Access: Connect with 500+ investors and ecosystem partners interested in inclusive fintech solutions.
- Access to the SIGMA platform: A key unique feature offering data-driven growth tracking, business model testing, and impact measurement tools.
- Impact Measurement & Gender-Inclusive Practices: Capacity building to collect sex-disaggregated data, integrate gender KPIs, and design inclusive financial products.
- Knowledge & Media Opportunities: Inclusion in case studies, podcasts, and docuseries to showcase impact.
- Global Visibility: Exposure through Seedstars’ +1M network and partner channels.
- Onsite Tech Ecosystem Opportunities: Invitations to key events in your region to network, showcase your venture, and explore partnerships.
Deadline: October 1, 2025