Wayra opens applications for the selection of startups

 

Wayra, an initiative linked to Telefónica Open Future, an open innovation and entrepreneurship support program of the Telefónica Group, has opened registration for a new selection process. Innovative technology-based startups will be chosen to receive investment and participate in a 12-month development program. Entrepreneurs have until December 4 to register and try to be part of a network with more than 700 startups invested around the world, in 17 countries.
 
“We are looking for companies with an incredible team, that operate in a large market, solving a relevant problem and that already have a product running with their first customers”, comments Renato Valente, country manager at Open Future.
 
According to him, Wayra is looking for startups that solve real problems and that, preferably, are able to do business both with Vivo and with other large companies. “Our development and traction program has the advantage of facilitating access for startups to a global innovation ecosystem, to investors and to Vivo itself, which seeks solutions in Open Future to improve its processes and offer disruptive products and services to its customers” , points out Valente.
 
The selected startups will receive investment, monitoring and various benefits. The amount to be invested is at least U$ 50 thousand, in addition to another US$ 50 thousand in services, which include complete infrastructure, partner benefits, mentoring, training, individual consulting, access to executive mentors for our company, investors and the entire global network that has 11 gyms across Europe and Latin America. In return, Wayra holds a minority shareholding in the investees.
 
A committee formed by market experts and members of Open Future will choose the startups, which will start the acceleration program in early 2018. In addition to analyzing the degree of development of the product or service, its validation in the market and its business model, the committee will mainly evaluate the partners, whether the company has a product running or being tested, any paying customers and the team responsible for the project.
 
Entries must be made in http://bit.ly/call_wayrabr2017.