Start-ups and Mobile in Emerging Markets: Insights from the GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator Issue 3, Summer 2018 © GSM Association 2018 START-UPS AND MOBILE IN EMERGING MARKETS: INSIGHTS FROM THE GSMA ECOSYSTEM ACCELERATOR START-UPS AND MOBILE IN EMERGING MARKETS: INSIGHTS FROM THE GSMA ECOSYSTEM ACCELERATOR Ecosystem Accelerator The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators The GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator programme focuses worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with over 350 on bridging the gap between mobile operators and companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including start-ups, enabling strong partnerships that foster the handset and device makers, software companies, growth of innovative mobile products and services. Foreword equipment providers and internet companies, as well These partnerships bring impactful mobile solutions to as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA the people and places that need them most, generating also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile the greatest socio-economic impact. In particular, the World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile programme operates an Innovation Fund which supports World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series African and Asian start-ups with direct grant funding, of conferences. technical assistance, and connections with mobile Since we first announced our Ecosystem Accelerator have collectively had a positive impact for over one operators. Innovation Fund in July 2016, we have received million citizens. The type of impact varies depending on For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate applications from over 1,650 start-ups and the team has the start-up, ranging from improved access to financial website at www.gsma.com Learn more at www.gsma.com/ecosystemaccelerator conducted on-the-ground due diligence on nearly 90 services in areas previously underserved to better or contact us at
[email protected] of them.