A MONTH LONG PROGRAM TO CREATE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH AMEX VENTURES FOR SEED & PRE-SEED STAGE STARTUPS IN THE US.

What would happen if you found innovative seed and pre-seed stage founders of consumer lifestyle, B2B, and enterprise capability startups from a diverse array of backgrounds, put them in the same community, and created engagement opportunities with Amex Ventures?

Future of Tech Is Inclusive, powered by Amex Ventures Goodie Nation, is a relationship-building program to support startups building the future of tech. It is designed to provide founders with access to advice and new relationships that support the growth of their businesses. We’re streamlining the process for emerging companies to get connected with one of the most influential corporations in the world. 

This is tech done right.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR THESE TYPES OF SEED & PRE-SEED STAGE STARTUPS

This initiative is for startups that have raised either a pre-seed or seed round and are looking to take the next steps in their company’s evolution. Startups in the following spaces are eligible to apply:

Consumer Lifestyle

Companies focused on strengthening the connection to Card Members and developing new ways to drive contextual relevance for commerce & membership on new & existing platforms.

Examples include: Financial Health, Loyalty, Travel, Dining, Entertainment

B2B

Companies empowering businesses of all sizes to manage operations & scale.

Examples include: Business Payments, Lending Platforms, SMB Services, Payment Processing Technologies, Supply Chain Analytics

Enterprise Capabilities

Companies leveraging solutions & technologies that can improve Amex’s internal capabilities. 

Examples include: Servicing, Customer Acquisition & Engagement, Cybersecurity & Fraud Detection, Risk Management, AI & Automation, Machine Learning, Cloud

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS PROGRAM

Learn About How Amex Evaluates, Invests In, and Partners with Startups

Understand how Amex Ventures evaluates an investment and how to set yourself up for success when working large corporations like American Express.

Attend a Roundtable Discussion on Industry Trends

Learn about the latest news, trends, and opportunities across Consumer Lifestyle, B2B, and Enterprise from Amex Ventures team members and share what you’re seeing as well.

Meet with Subject-Matter Experts from American Express

Get insights on how to drive growth and solve challenges around key functional areas of your business.

Get Paired with a Business Coach from Goodie Nation

Receive support and accountability in hitting your goals through 1:1 meetings and small group huddles. 

Attend a Group Therapy Session for Entrepreneurs Hosted by Goodie Nation

Founders are people too. That’s why we host a small group therapy session called All Founders Need Therapy where you can vent (or listen) about entrepreneur-specific challenges.

GOODIE NATION’S PROMISE TO YOU

Relationships are built on trust. Goodie Nation’s promise to founders is divided into several parts:

Ensuring You’ve Set Strong Priority & Goals

We’ll assign you a Performance Partner (dedicated business coach) to ensure you’ve set strong priorities and goals, lead your huddle (more on that below) and meet 1:1 each month to dig deeper into the business.  

Holding You Accountable To Those Goals

Your Performance Partner will lead virtual Accountability Group Huddles (aka stand ups) with the other founders in this initiative.  Seed-stage startups meet each Monday, and Pre-Seed startups meet every other Monday. You’ll report on your recent progress, wins, plan for the upcoming week, and ask for help from the other founders on a strategic or tactical issue.

Stepping In To Assist You In Hitting Those Goals When You Ask For Help

You can ask for help from other founders in your huddle, founders from the larger Goodie Nation community, our group of coaches, and our dedicated Fintech Community Builder. 

SCHEDULE

(Virtual Unless Noted | Dates Subject to Change)

APPLICATION PERIOD

November 20: Applications open

January 14: Application close

Week of January 22: Selected startups announced

SUPPORT PERIOD

Monday, January 29: Program Opening Session

Tuesday, January 30: How to Partner with American Express Session

Wednesday, January 31: Investor Readiness Evaluations 

Monday, February 5: Pre-Seed & Seed Stage Accountability Huddles Begin

Thursday, February 8: Fintech Industry Roundtable with Amex | 12p – 1p EST 

February 12 – February 23: Office Hours with American Express Team

Monday, February 12: Pre-Seed & Seed Stage Accountability Huddles

Thursday, February 15: All Founders Need Therapy session

Monday, February 19: Seed Stage Accountability Group Huddle

Monday, February 26: Seed Stage Accountability Group Huddle

Tuesday, February 27: Program Closing Session