Hey Skunks,

We recently launched GSMA Innovation Fund for Mobile Internet Adoption and Digital Inclusion. The fund is now open and already receiving applications. This Innovation Fund seeks to support innovative Start-ups or Small to Medium sized private sector companies (SMEs) in emerging markets to achieve sustainable growth and improved socio-economic impact by increasing mobile internet adoption and usage for the under-served and those who are currently not using mobile internet services.

 

The objective of the Fund is to support solutions that seek to address one or more of the following barriers to mobile internet adoption and digital inclusion.

a)      Accessibility: Innovations which improve the accessibility and usability of handsets and mobile internet services for citizens who are unable to access them. This will not include accessibility to networks, electricity or IDs•

b)      Affordability: Innovations which improve affordability of handsets and mobile internet services•

c)      Digital skills: Innovations which focus on improving basic digital skills and confidence to access and use mobile internet•

d)      Safety and security: Innovations which focus on improving safety and security of those who want to use mobile internet. This will not include tackling issues of data privacy and fraud.

 

The Fund will seeks to promote

• Partnerships between mobile operators and start-ups or SMEs in order to increase the reach of innovative mobile services to low-income citizens.
• Test business models with the greatest potential for growth and impact in Asia and Africa.
• Provide lessons and examples on the ways in which mobile is driving positive socio-economic change

Please share with relevant companies and across your networks. You can recommend companies that would be ideal to apply to the innovation fund directly to me. 

I have attached herein our Term Sheet for quick reference.

Thanks