NYU Shanghai was the perfect setting to host Seedstars World Shanghai, the global seed-stage startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes, bringing its Chinese round to a successful close.
Twelve startups were invited to compete, and BitNexo was selected as the regional winner and overall best startup in China. Come February 2016, BitNexo will head off to Switzerland for the final pitching round, aiming for the 500,000 USD equity prize.
The 12 startups pitched in front of a prestigious jury, including William Bao Bean, managing director of Chinaccelerator, Marisol Menéndez of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), and angel investor Lawrence Wu.
The regional winner, BitNexo, was named China’s best startup for its easy money transfer solution between China and Latin America. It uses advanced P2P technology to send funds fast, easy, and at low cost. Says founder/CEO of BitNexo, Darren Camas, “Bitnexo is a frictionless international money transfer service where the end user never sees a bitcoin.”
Following in second place was SXT Learning, allowing distribution of learning materials directly to mobile devices, and third place was Seeder—a way to save money on energy bills while increasing property value. Other startups invited to pitch were: 1KE, Clawz, ELLA, Kliptap, Koolla, Tongjubao, Robin8, the Squirrelz, Unnyhog, and yoloboo.
Seedstars Shanghai also featured speaker Marisol Menéndez of BBVA, whose keynote speech centered on corporate innovation. The event was organized by Chinaccelerator’s Local Ambassador of Seedstars World, Sophia Liu, collaborated with local partners NYU Shanghai and Swissnex.
Continuing on its world tour of startup scenes in emerging markets and fast-growing startup scenes, Seedstars World will turn to Sydney in search of Australia’s best startup—looking for smart startups that solve regional issues and/or develop profitable products for the global market.
Article by Charlotte San Juan