Visa Innovation Program Europe 2025 – Meetups Recap & What’s Next!

Since its launch in 2018, the Visa Innovation Program Europe has been driving fintech innovation across the region. The program has supported groundbreaking startups, fostering collaboration between fintechs, Visa’s network of banks and merchants, and industry leaders. To date, the program has achieved:

• 1,200+ applications
• 98 fintechs selected
• 100+ pilot projects
• 90+ successful proofs of concept (PoCs)
• 1,350 hours of mentorship
• 1,080 investment rounds
• €387 million in funding raised

Now in full swing, the Visa Innovation Program Europe 2025 is set for another impactful year. Our recent online meetups in Italy, Spain, and Portugal brought together fintech founders, investors, Visa executives, and industry partners to explore how startups can leverage the program to scale, form strategic partnerships, and make a real-world impact.

Whether you attended live or missed the sessions, this blog highlights key insights, the themes shaping this year’s program, and how you can still apply before the February 28, 2025 deadline.

Key Takeaways from the Meetups

The Visa Innovation Program is not just an accelerator—it’s a collaboration platform that connects fintech startups with Visa’s global network of banks, merchants, and corporate partners. Unlike many accelerators, Visa does not take equity from participating startups. Instead, the focus is on real-world opportunities, allowing fintechs to test and scale their solutions through pilot projects and proofs of concept.

This impact was evident in the experiences shared by program alumni. In Italy, Wallife and Fertile discussed how the program’s mentorship and Visa’s network helped them secure key partnerships and grow their businesses. In Spain and Portugal, Data for Deals and Orama highlighted how Visa’s support accelerated their market expansion, strengthened their business strategies, and connected them with investors.

One of the biggest challenges for fintech startups is accessing decision-makers within financial institutions. The Visa Innovation Program bridges this gap by providing direct connections to banks, investors, and corporate partners actively seeking fintech solutions. This direct engagement speeds up collaboration, business growth, and market expansion for participating startups.

Missed the Meetups? Watch the Recordings

Catch up on the latest insights from our recent sessions:

• Italy Meetup: Scaling with Strategic Partnerships – Watch on YouTube
• Spain & Portugal Meetup: Unlocking Market Access – Watch on YouTube

These sessions showcased how fintech startups can leverage the Visa Innovation Program to scale, form strategic partnerships, and gain direct access to Visa’s clients and financial institutions. Alumni emphasized the value of mentorship, investor connections, and go-to-market support, proving that the program is a launchpad for fintechs ready to grow.

Key Focus Areas for 2025

The Visa Innovation Program Europe 2025 is structured around four key themes, each designed to address critical challenges and opportunities in the fintech ecosystem.

Artificial Intelligence & Next-Generation Payment Experiences

AI is transforming financial services, enhancing fraud prevention, personalised finance, and payment experiences. This theme supports fintechs working on:

• AI-driven risk and fraud solutions
• Digital wallets, super apps, and metaverse payments
• Decentralised finance (DeFi) and AI-powered financial tools

Embedded Finance & Commerce Enablement

Seamless financial services are now integrated across industries, from e-commerce and travel to healthcare and logistics. This theme supports fintechs working on:

• Open banking solutions and embedded lending models
• Digital identity verification and fraud prevention
• Customer acquisition, loyalty, and engagement tools

Money Movement & Cross-Border Payments

Global money movement is evolving, with a shift toward more efficient, transparent, and seamless transactions. This theme focuses on:

• Cross-border payments and remittances
• B2B and supply chain payment solutions
• Treasury services and finance management platforms

Sustainability & Financial Inclusion

Fintechs have a critical role in driving ESG-focused finance and financial inclusion. This theme supports startups developing:

• Carbon footprint tracking and ESG-driven payments
• Financial services for underbanked populations
• Digital solutions for government payments and social benefits

What’s Next? Join the Global Online Meetup

The next big opportunity to engage with the Visa Innovation Program community is the upcoming Global Online Meetup on February 25, 2025.

This event will bring together fintechs from across Europe, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta. Attendees will hear directly from Visa executives, industry leaders, and fintech founders who have successfully leveraged the program. It’s an invaluable opportunity to gain insights, explore partnerships, and understand how the program accelerates fintech growth.

🔗 Register for the Global Online Meetup Here

Apply Now – Final Deadline: February 28, 2025

For fintech startups looking to scale, collaborate, and gain access to Visa’s extensive ecosystem, this is a unique opportunity. With no equity taken, direct connections to industry leaders, and a focus on real-world pilots, the Visa Innovation Program Europe 2025 is designed to drive meaningful impact.

The deadline for applications is fast approaching. If your fintech aligns with the program’s focus areas, now is the time to apply.

🔗 Apply Now and take the next step in shaping the future of payments and financial services.