Qatar-Based TESS Payments Selected for Visa Everywhere Initiative Finals

Doha, Qatar – TESS Payments, a Qatar-based fintech startup, has been selected as a finalist in the CEMEA Regional Finals of the Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI). The prestigious competition will take place on July 23 at 1:30 p.m. Gulf Standard Time, showcasing TESS Payments' innovative advancements in smart payment solutions.

TESS Payments' Achievement in the Competition

From a pool of over 1,400 applicants, TESS Payments stands out as one of the five finalists, recognized for their innovative contributions to payment solutions. Specializing in secure and convenient payment methods for merchants, TESS Payments enhances sales and adapts to evolving customer preferences. This aligns with VEI's mission to support startups that drive economic growth and financial inclusion.

Shashank Singh, Visa’s Vice President and General Manager for Kuwait and Qatar, expressed his support: “The Visa Everywhere Initiative reflects our commitment to supporting startup innovation. This year’s finalists exemplify the remarkable entrepreneurial talent in this region. We wish TESS Payments the best of luck in the regional finals.”

The Significance of Winning the VEI

Winning the CEMEA Regional Finals would advance TESS Payments to the Global Finals in San Francisco on October 28, with a chance to win QR365,000 ($100,000). Beyond the financial reward, this would provide TESS Payments with invaluable global exposure, opening doors to significant business opportunities and collaborations within Visa’s expansive network.

Past winners, like Nigerian fintech ThriveAgric, demonstrate the potential benefits of VEI success. ThriveAgric, a former winner, expanded into Kenya and empowered 10,000 farmers through Visa’s support, highlighting the transformative growth and long-term benefits VEI recognition can bring to startups.

The Journey Ahead

Since its launch in 2015, the Visa Everywhere Initiative has enabled over 15,000 startups from more than 100 countries to unlock opportunities and build credibility. Collectively, these startups have raised over QR175bn ($48bn) in funding, showcasing the initiative’s significant impact on the global fintech landscape.

As TESS Payments prepares for the regional finals, their journey symbolizes the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit thriving in Qatar and the broader GCC region. Competing alongside other strong finalists like CNPSecure, GamerG, Nomanini, and Advantage Health Africa, TESS Payments is on the brink of potentially transformative recognition.

For TESS Payments, this competition is more than a chance to win a substantial prize. It represents an opportunity to scale their groundbreaking solutions, connect with industry leaders, and take significant strides in their growth journey. As the countdown to the CEMEA Regional Finals begins, all eyes are on TESS Payments, rooting for their success on this remarkable stage.

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