Mexico City, Mexico (June 21st, 2022) – Village Capital with support from MetLife Foundation, launched a call for applications for the new program ADAPT: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future in Latin America. Through this effort, startups from Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico will continue to develop solutions around climate change, healthcare and economic mobility. This initiative is aimed at developing the Latin American entrepreneurs’ talent and vision so that they can create solutions that will positively impact the course of the region.
Due to its size and biodiversity, Latin America is prone to facing natural hazards and other challenges generated by climate change and natural disasters. Additionally, the region faces health inequality, as well as food, energy and economic mobility insecurity. Added to these adversities is the fact that most inhabitants have limited access to financial protection solutions such as credit schemes, investment alternatives or insurance products, among others.
“At MetLife Foundation, we believe in the social impact of entrepreneurs. Their innovative approach has the potential to improve the lives of low-income families, reducing costs, friction, stress, and can facilitate better outcomes,” commented Mario Valdes, General Manager, MetLife México and Board member of Fundacion MetLife Mexico. Also, Eric Clurfain, Regional President, MetLife Latin America stated, “we believe that innovation can usher in a new generation of solutions that will strengthen communities and reduce inequalities, contributing to a more confident future for all.”
The accelerator program will support eight to ten startups in Latin America that are creating and expanding access to solutions around:
Applications close on August 5th, 2022. Full details and eligibility criteria can be found here.
From October to December 2022, the selected cohort will participate in four online workshops, as well as receive mentorship for potential strategic partners, investors, customers and other founders in Latin America and in the US; including a one-on-one session with an investment analyst for feedback and support.
The top two companies selected by their peers will receive a grant funding from MetLife Foundation of USD $20,000 each, to support operations. All startups that apply to the program will also be invited to join Abaca, Village Capital’s free online global platform that helps entrepreneurs map out critical milestones on their path to scale. The network provides a diagnostic tool, and then matches entrepreneurs with relevant investors and resources.
About Village Capital
Village Capital helps entrepreneurs bring big ideas from vision to scale. Our mission is to reinvent the system to back the entrepreneurs of the future. Our vision is a future where businesses create equity and long‐term prosperity. Since 2009, we have supported more than 1,000 early‐stage entrepreneurs through our investment readiness programs. Our affiliated fund, VilCap Investments, has invested in more than 100 program graduates, including nine early-stage Latin American companies like ePesos (2016), Fintual (2017), and Huli (2017).
For more information at Village Capital:
Sofía Cándano sofia.candano@vilcap.com
About MetLife Foundation
At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to expanding opportunities for low- and moderate-income people around the world. We partner with nonprofit organizations and social enterprises to create financial health solutions and build stronger communities, while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. From its founding through the end of 2020, MetLife Foundation provided more than $900 million in grants and $87 million in program-related investments to make a positive impact in the communities where MetLife operates. Our financial health work has reached more than 17.2 million low- and moderate-income individuals in 42 countries. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit metlife.org.
For more information:
MetLife Foundation
Jorge Arturo Hernández
jorge.hernandez1@metlife.com.mx
MetLife Mexico
Alejandro Luna
aluna@cuadrante.com.mx
Phone 55 1395 8147
Cuadrante
Eduardo Ostria
eostria@cuadrante.com.mx
Phone 55 1900 2527
Cuadrante