ECOSYSTEM ACCELERATOR COMPASS Insights on Start-ups and Mobile in Emerging Markets ISSUE 5, MAY 2019 Copyright © 2019 GSM Association Ecosystem Accelerator The GSMA represents the interests of mobile The Ecosystem Accelerator programme focuses operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 on bridging the gap between mobile operators operators with almost 400 companies in the and start-ups, enabling strong partnerships that broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and foster the growth of innovative mobile products device makers, software companies, equipment and services. These partnerships bring impactful providers and internet companies, as well as mobile solutions to the people and places that organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The need them most, generating the greatest socio- GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC economic impact. In particular, the programme events held annually in Barcelona, Los Angeles operates an Innovation Fund which supports African and Shanghai, as well as the Mobile 360 Series of and Asian start-ups with direct funding, technical regional conferences. assistance and connections with mobile operators. The programme is supported by the GSMA, its For more information, please visit the GSMA members, the UK Department for International corporate website at www.gsma.com Development (DFID) and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT). Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA Learn more at www.gsma.com/ecosystemaccelerator or contact us at
[email protected] Follow GSMA Mobile For Development on Twitter: @GSMAm4d Authors: Josie Middleton – Knowledge Manager, Ecosystem Accelerator This document is an output of a project funded Sam Ajadi – Senior Insights Manager, by UK aid from the Department for International Ecosystem Accelerator Development (DFID) and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT), for the benefit Maxime Bayen – Insights Director, Ecosystem of developing countries.