The Catalyst Fund accelerator combines catalytic grant capital, bespoke venture-building support delivered by industry experts, curated connections with our Circle of Investors and Circle of Corporate Innovators and access to the best network of tech innovators worldwide. The Catalyst Fund model is comprised of six core principles, which are present in all Catalyst Fund programs:
Catalyst Fund portfolio companies are sourced and selected by committees of experienced investors in tech and emerging markets. Companies receive catalytic grant capital, bespoke venture-building support from local and domain experts, from BFA Global and our partners, and 1:1 connections with investors and corporate innovators.
We identify the most promising inclusive tech companies, together with our sourcing committees, all of whom have extensive experience identifying promising companies in emerging markets. While we do not hold open calls for applications, companies may express their interest to be considered on a rolling basis.
Companies that are working toward product-market fit, reaching scale and expanding to new markets or segments need patient capital to pilot and iterate their product, while they work to achieve the proof points investors are looking to see.
This is where we believe philanthropic capital, combined with expert-led support, has a significant role to play in helping companies reach scale, attract investment and ultimately reach more underserved users.
Our venture-building support is entrepreneur-led and tailored to each individual company’s needs. We begin with a diagnostic phase that dives deep to understand each company’s product, strategy, communications, finance, operations, tech and other needs.
The BFA Global team of fintech experts and venture builders then generates a detailed, sprint-based venture-building plan and embarks on a period of intensive support, essentially becoming part of the company’s team.
Catalyst Fund strives to create AAA (Accessible, Affordable, Appropriate) products and solutions that will truly benefit low-income, underserved populations.
We work with our companies to develop the compelling proof points they need to attract follow-on capital. We also match them on a 1:1 basis with additional members of our Circle of Investors, as well as our Circle of Corporate Innovators as our portfolio companies seek pathways for scale.
We glean and share insights from our work with tech companies, as well as industry trends and proof points around innovative business models, to spur more tech innovation for inclusion.
Inclusive FintechSupporting early-stage fintech entrepreneurs in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Mexico and India
Scaling digital commerce companies in Ghana to improve the livelihoods and financial resilience of MSEs