Meta Lab Startup Challenge (Powered by MassChallenge)

Meta Lab Startup Challenge (Powered by MassChallenge)

Program Type: Startup accelerator and competition for fintech and healthtech innovators

Geographic Scope: Charlotte, North Carolina; open to international applicants

Target Audience: Early-stage fintech and healthtech startups worldwide

Key Features:

Prize Pool: Equity-free innovation awards funded by EY, Movement Mortgage, and LendingTree

Global Competition: Attracts startups from multiple countries and US states

Multi-Phase Program:

1. Application and initial evaluation
2. Two-day semi-final event (December)
3. Final competition and winner announcement
4. Post-selection collaboration and partnership opportunities

Later Phase Opportunities (Post-Selection):

Direct collaboration with CFH anchor partners

Strategic insights and guidance

Business development opportunities

Pilot programs

Capital investment access

Potential acquisition opportunities

Competition Details:

Applications Received: 99 startups from 13 countries

Geographic Representation: 21 US states and 13 countries globally (Belarus, Colombia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Rwanda, and others)

Expert Judging Panel: Leaders in fintech, healthtech, education, government, and other sectors

Format: Shark Tank-style finale with limited series production

Focus Areas:

Fintech solutions

Healthtech solutions

Innovative technologies addressing industry challenges

Corporate Partners & Challenge Sponsors:

Atrium Health

Barings

Truist

EY (funding)

Movement Mortgage (funding)

LendingTree (funding)

Live Oak Bank

Canapi Ventures

Apiture

University Partners:

UNC Charlotte School of Data Science

Johnson C. Smith University Tech-Innovation Center

What They Fund:

Fintech solutions

Healthtech solutions

Innovative technology products addressing corporate partner challenges

Program Benefits:

Access to established corporate networks

Equity-free funding

Business development opportunities

Market access in Charlotte/North Carolina

Potential capital investment

Data science and research support

Organization: Carolina Fintech Hub in partnership with MassChallenge, Inc.

About MassChallenge:

Global network for innovators (7 worldwide locations)

Supports bold entrepreneurs

Alumni Network: 2,900+ companies have raised $8.6B+ in funding, generated $3.6B+ in revenue, created 186,000+ jobs since 2009