According to TechCrunch, "Venture capital investment in payment technologies hit a five-year high in committed capital in the first quarter of 2014". In addition, as competition heats up for consumer and business applications, it is becoming more and more crucial for startups to create innovative revenue models, along with new ways to monetize users.
The Founder Institute, in conjunction with the PayPal Startup Blueprint Program, wants to support entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas on monetization. As a result, we are announcing the "Startup Blueprint Scholarship" Program, which gives aspiring entrepreneurs with new ideas for accepting payments the opportunity to attend the Founder Institute program for free in select markets.
For the upcoming Fall 2014 Semester, the strongest applicant in Chicago will receive the "Startup Blueprint Scholarship" to attend our renowned entrepreneur training and startup launch program for free (approx. $1,000 value). In addition, the Founder Institute and PayPal are awarding $1,000 USD towards incorporation and other business expenses for the company with the most innovative monetization idea after the midway point in these Fall Semesters.
To apply:
- Apply to the Chicago Fall 2014 Programs. Application deadline is 9/14.
- Write one paragraph on your monetization ideas in the application under "Field 2: Provide 2-4 paragraphs on a field that you are passionate about” and include "Startup Blueprint" at the top of your answer.
- Then, our admissions team will review your work and let you know the decision within a couple days a each semester's Final Deadline.
The PayPal Startup Blueprint Program, by PayPal, is a global program that partners with top tier startups incubators, accelerators and VCs, and provides innovative startups with tools needed to grow and succeed. Participants in the program get significant perks, including up to 18 months of free PayPal transaction fees (up to $50,000 USD) and 18 months of free Braintree transaction fees (up to $100,000 USD of total payments volume), as well as top-notch dedicated customer service and ongoing mentorship with thought leaders and PayPal Developer Relations teams.
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