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Meta Lab Startup Challenge (Powered by MassChallenge)

CAROLINA FINTECH HUB

Foundation Grants for StartupsSTEM Education Grants

Funding Amount

Equity-free innovation prize pool, capital investment opportunities

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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

    • How to Apply

    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

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    startupsstem-education

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