Financial Times and Seedstars launch global FTxSDG Challenge for start-ups

The Financial Times is partnering with Seedstars, a Swiss-based company that invests and supports start-ups from emerging markets, to host the first FTxSDG Challenge. The competition has been launched to empower promising, impact-driven start-ups and entrepreneurs with learning and funding opportunities. The call for applications is now live.

The focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to bring awareness to global problems, while also empowering entrepreneurs who are creating solutions that can address these issues.

Global FTxSDG Challenge for start-ups

With significant progress yet to be made in fulfilling these goals, this event will bring together early-stage start-ups from emerging markets and individual entrepreneurs to take part in the FTxSDG Challenge competition. 150 participants will be invited to solve real business challenges and present innovative strategies with a focus on the SDGs.

The selected themes for this coemption are: Gender Equality, Climate Action, Quality Education – supported by the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR), Good Jobs and Economic Growth, Reduced Inequalities and Good Health and Wellbeing.

Up to $500,000 in funding available to winning start-ups

The event programme includes one-month’s access to the Investment Readiness Sessions by Seedstars where winning start-ups will be fast-tracked to the Seedstars Investments Fund and have the opportunity to secure up to $500,000 in funding.

Alisee De Tonnac, CEO, Seedstars, said: “Seedstars is very excited to launch the FTxSDG Challenge. Since 2013, our team has been organizing the Seedstars World Competition created to support and invest in impact-driven entrepreneurs from emerging markets. Working with Financial Times, we’re confident that this mission can be amplified together in the FTxSDG Challenge.”

Jon Slade, FT’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re excited to see FT Talent grow to include supporting early start-ups, as well as young professionals who are passionate about technology and entrepreneurship. Partnering with Seedstars is a game-changing opportunity to collaborate together and make a positive impact towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”

The deadline for applications is 1 November, 6pm GMT.

For more information, please visit the FTxSDG Challenge site here.

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