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

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

Application Process

Application Portal: MassChallenge platform (applications launched October 28, 2021)

How to Apply:

1. Visit MassChallenge application portal via link provided
2. Complete startup application
3. Submit application before deadline

Evaluation Process:

1. Initial application review by expert judges
2. Semi-final event (two-day, typically in December)
3. Final competition and winner selection

Application Details:

• Specific application requirements not detailed in available materials
• Multiple rounds of evaluation
• Competition format with scoring/judging criteria

Timeline:

• Applications open: October 28, 2021
• Semi-final event: December (two-day format)
• Final competition and awards: Following semi-finals

Contact:

• Apply through MassChallenge portal
• Carolina Fintech Hub involvement for partnership details

Note:

• Applications were closed as of November 23, 2021 (99 applications received)
• Check current website for next application cycle and deadline