DFS Lab and Stellar Development Foundation Launch Second Blockchain Bootcamp for African Startups

NAIROBI and SAN FRANCISCO — March 1, 2022 — DFS Lab in collaboration with the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) have launched a call for applicants for their second Blockchain Bootcamp, designed to give early to mid-stage startups in Africa an opportunity to build on Stellar, an open-source blockchain network for financial services and products.

The bootcamp is a virtual three-day design sprint allowing participating companies to answer critical business questions with hands-on technical support and guidance from DFS Lab and SDF. Companies will define a problem, storyboard a solution, and develop a rapid prototype of their innovation. This is an exciting opportunity to support the blockchain-oriented ideas of African developers and startups, equip them with practical tools and education, and provide support to create viable solutions that fit local needs.

The most promising solutions will be awarded prizes from $5,000 to $20,000 worth of XLM, Stellar’s native currency. There will be opportunities for follow-on funding for additional grants, including potential investment from SDF’s Matching Fund and other investors who will be present at the demo day. Interested fintech companies, blockchain native companies, and crypto-curious companies operating in Africa and looking to advance existing services or embed digital asset solutions into their models for the first time are all encouraged to apply before March 27, 2022 here.

“We saw some impressive results from our Blockchain Bootcamp last year, with companies that participated in the bootcamp still building on Stellar. We’re excited to offer this opportunity for even more startups to see where the Stellar blockchain network can benefit them. From cross-border payments to financial inclusion, we are interested to see what role blockchain can play in the future of digital commerce in Africa,” said Jake Kendall, Partner at DFS Lab.

Viable use cases that could be explored include cross-border payments, access to financial services, or payment processing. Companies could also explore new models across asset management, compliance, defi, gaming, charity donations, trade finance, liquidity, and more.

"We're supporting a new cohort of startups building the future of digital commerce in Africa in collaboration with DFS Lab. The energy and solutions we saw from participants last year were astounding, and demonstrated the importance of continuing to equip local builders with easy-to-use tools, education, and financial support. We’re committed to increasing financial access and inclusion by championing solutions rooted in local needs and expertise," said Denelle Dixon, CEO and Executive Director of Stellar Development Foundation.

Companies including Moneygram, Flutterwave, Bitso, Wyre, Leaf Global Fintech, Airtm and Tribal are developing or have deployed a variety of solutions built on Stellar. The speed and scale of the Stellar network will enable new opportunities for bootcamp participants and their end users to quickly and easily transfer value, no matter where they are in the world. See the results and demos from the last bootcamp, here. The Stellar network is growing across Africa, particularly in East and South Africa. Companies building the future of digital finance across the continent are encouraged to apply. The bootcamp will be held from April 26-28, 2022.


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About DFS Lab‍

DFS Lab is an early-stage investor that helps founders build solid foundations and matches the world’s smartest capital with Africa’s most promising founders leading the next generation of digital commerce in Africa. DFS Lab brings both global and local mentorship to its flagship accelerator program, and its portfolio companies have gone on to raise capital from firms like Accel, Anthemis, 500 Startups, Y Combinator, Flourish Ventures, NYCA, and Accion Venture Labs.

About Stellar‍

Stellar is a decentralized, fast, scalable, and sustainable blockchain network for financial products and services. It is both a cross-currency transaction system and a platform for digital asset issuance, designed to connect the world’s financial infrastructure. Financial institutions and fintechs worldwide issue assets and settle payments on the Stellar network, which has grown to over 6 million accounts. For more information, visit stellar.org.

About the Stellar Development Foundation‍

The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) is a non-profit organization that supports the development and growth of Stellar, an open-source network that connects the world’s financial infrastructure. Founded in 2014, the Foundation helps maintain Stellar’s codebase, supports the developer, fintech, and business communities building on the network, and serves as an independent industry voice to regulators and institutions. The Foundation seeks to create equitable access to the global financial system, using the Stellar network to unlock the world’s economic potential through blockchain technology. For more information visit stellar.org/foundation.