Nigerian fintech startup, Rise has been selected to participate in the US-based Techstars & Western Union Accelerator, which gives it access to funding and mentorship.
Based out of Denver, Colorado, the Techstars & Western Union Accelerator is a three-month, mentor-driven programme designed to help startups build and shape the future of how money moves. Each participating startup receives US$120,000 in funding.
Super excited to announce our acceptance into the @techstars and @WesternUnion accelerator!
— Rise (@Risevest) July 16, 2020
This is an amazing time for all of us at Rise and we look forward to the journey 🚀https://t.co/9Kb6OBUEJg
The digital wealth manager connecting Africans to global dollar investments is among the ten companies selected to participate in this year’s class of the accelerator. Interestingly, this will be the second accelerator the startup has taken part in this year, after it was selected for the second edition of the LABS by ARM programme, banking US$20,000 in funding and additional growth support.
“Being a part of the Techstars & Western Union accelerator is perfect for us because we get a chance to work with world-class mentors and leverage the experience of an established global player to really boost our ability to connect users to the best investments anywhere in the world. This gives us the platform and resources to build a world-class solution for our users,” said Rise founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Eleanya Eke.
Ethan Austin, managing director of the Techstars & Western Union Accelerator, said the programmes’s thesis for this year was “access”.
“Our definition of access is not limited to opportunity for those moving to the United States. It also means creating equal access for those in every community across this country. While we recognise that there is much work yet to be done and we all have a role to play in ending systemic racism and inequality, we stand proudly with everyone who is fighting for a fairer, more equitable system,” he said.
