Scale your business and drive impact in emerging markets with FMO
Enter the Finture Solutions challenge to receive development capital of up to €125,000 and access to FMO’s wealth of experience for your startup.
Applications close on May 19
The Challenge
We are looking for bold startups who have what it takes to scale their business across emerging markets and create impact in the agrifood, renewable energy and water sectors.
Over the coming decades, the global population will increase to over 9 billion with fewer resources available. Power shortages are one of the biggest barriers to development and more than 60% of the world’s population lives in areas where the supply of water cannot meet demand sustainably. These global challenges need innovative answers and Finture Solutions will award up to €625,000 to five Dutch startups creating impact and improving people’s lives in those parts of the world where this makes the biggest difference: financing future solutions.
We contribute to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Apply if you are...
A Dutch startup driving positive change in emerging markets via innovation in the agrifood, renewable energy and water sectors.
Not sure if you fit the bill? Please contact us at hello@finturesolutions.com
Timeline
An expert committee will choose the 10 most promising startups to attend the final pitch event at Rockstart late June. At the event, the startups will have a chance to present in front of a jury panel of FMO management, Rockstart experts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dutch experienced entrepreneurs, who will choose the winners of the five development capital prizes.
April 2
Applications Open
May 19
Applications Close
Early June
Top 10 Startups Announced
June 26
Pitch Day - 5 winners
Organizers
Finture Solutions is a collaboration between FMO and Rockstart.
FMO
FMO is the Dutch Development Bank. We invest in growth and frontier markets, supporting jobs and income generation and improving people’s lives in those parts of the world where this makes the biggest difference. We invite others to partner with us - lower thresholds for other financiers, opening up new markets and opportunities. We can do this because of our ability, experience and appetite to take on the most challenging investments and carry a significant share of the risk. This initiative is originated from FMO’s NL Business department., creating partnerships leading to a shared value for both Dutch businesses and for the development in emerging markets.
Rockstart
Launched in 2011 in Amsterdam, Rockstart is one of Europe’s first startup accelerators. Currently, the international company supports and empowers the best startups on their way to success across four domains: Energy, Health, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies. They provide startups with access to the capital, market, community, and expertise by connecting them to partners, investors, mentors and the wider Rockstart network. Rockstart also creates programs that are customised to boost collaboration between startups and corporates, driving faster access to co-creation, commercial partnerships, and investment. Since its inception, Rockstart has invested in more than 150 startups and supported them in their journey to raise more than €87 million and hire more than 700 people.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
This initiative is partly made possible by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
We create partnerships leading to shared value for local communities and Dutch startups .
FAQ
Who can apply?
Finture Solutions is interested in startups and scaleups that have developed a solution applicable in emerging markets and who already operate in one or more emerging markets globally. The company must be established in the Netherlands and can show a KvK registration. There is no requirement for founders being Dutch.
What kind of solutions are you looking for?
We are interested in scalable solutions (a product or service) supported by a solid business model. The solutions can be low-tech, high-tech, software, hardware. There is a demonstrated need for the solution being offered. The technology has been tested in an emerging market with a positive outcome and your startup is likely to be looking for venture capital investment in the medium term.
What happens after I apply?
After we have received your application, we will evaluate it and let you know if you will be invited for the next selection round. We will hold online interviews with the Top 50 startups after which we will invite the Top 10 startups to the final Pitch Event at Rockstart on June 26.
What happens on the pitch day?
At the Pitch Event, the five winners will be announced who will each receive the price of up to €125,000 development capital and support from FMO industry experts. The Top 10 startups will be invited to the Pitch Event at Rockstart on June 26. All 10 startups will pitch to an expert committee in the morning in a smaller setting, and deliver a final pitch to the Jury on stage with a broader audience. The exact program is subject to change.
Can I apply with only an idea?
In order for us to help you, we are looking for startups that have developed at least an MVP (minimum viable product) and already operate in one or more emerging markets globally.
How does Finture Solutions define emerging markets?
Emerging markets include the economies of all low, lower middle and upper-middle-income countries as defined by the Worldbank. Only high-income economies are not within the definition of emerging markets. For a complete overview of these countries, please check the Worldbank website.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No, there are no costs involved to participate.
How does FMO measure sustainability and impact?
FMO measures impact by the number of jobs created, GHG emissions avoided and inequalities reduced. You may suggest other impact indicators. Please refer to FMO’s sustainability policy. FMO will review the environmental and social aspects of your startup.
