Fintech Accelerator - Spring'20

Helping Egyptian entrepreneurs build the next generation of innovative tech unicorns

AUC Venture Lab (AUC V-Lab) is Egypt’s first university-based incubator and accelerator at The American University in Cairo. AUC V-Lab enables startups to capitalize on AUC’s intellectual capital, world-class facilities and research capacities. It connects innovative startups with AUC’s network that includes alumni, faculty, mentors and investors. Through this, it fosters a thriving ecosystem of innovation, education and responsible business.

We help Egyptian startups commercialize their innovative technologies and business models into viable ventures that contribute to economic growth, competitiveness and job creation; and to provide a learning and research platform for the AUC community to connect with entrepreneurs.

The AUC V-Lab Fintech Accelerator is a 16-week customized program for financial technology (FinTech) startups providing entrepreneurs with specialized business finance and technology support. Entrepreneurs who join will understand the ins and outs of working within the regulations of the Central Bank of Egypt and gain valuable insights from some of the smartest minds in the startup and FinTech worlds.
This program is powered by the Commercial International Bank (CIB) and in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

AUC Venture Lab targets startups that are high-growth and innovation-driven. These are selected through a rigorous process based on the novelty of the idea, scalability and commercial potential as well as the team’s track record, cohesion, tenacity and commitment to success. Selected startups play an active role in the AUC community, sharing their entrepreneurial experience with students and staff. They also contribute to Egypt's growth and competitiveness.

The AUC Venture Lab acceleration program runs in two cycles per year where each cycle includes around ten startups. The Lab provides these startups with an intensive acceleration experience for three months, followed by a longer incubation cycle of a year.