Wayra is a startup accelerator which is part of Telefónica Open Future, a global platform designed to connect entrepreneurs, startups, investors, public institutions and corporations. Wayra, initiated by Telefonica in 2011, operates on a global scale across 10 different countries. It provides funding, coworking spaces, mentoring, and business opportunities for startups.
Wayra has been recognized as one of the world's most active accelerators. In its early years, it focused mainly on digital businesses, but over time it expanded its scope to a range of different sectors. Up to 2020, Wayra has invested in more than 500 startups with a total investment of more than €163 million.
A successful example of a startup which went through Wayra's acceleration program is Cabify, a ride-sharing app which is now widely recognized across Spain and Latin America. After participating in Wayra's program in 2011, Cabify raised over $400 Million in total, making it one of the most successful bets by the accelerator.
An important character associated with Wayra is its UK director, Gary Stewart. He was previously an associate at a leading Silicon Valley law firm and Co-Founder of Nuroa.es, a VC-backed startup later sold to an Australian competitor. Gary's leadership and expertise have played a crucial role in Wayra's successful outcomes.
Besides their accelerator program, Wayra conducts various initiatives supporting entrepreneurship. For example, Wayra X is a 100% digital hub launched in 2020 and designed for startups developing mass-market digital products. Also, Wayra Builder is a venture builder program that co-invests with third parties in spinoffs based on Telefónica's internal innovation projects.
One of the unique facets of Wayra's approach is its emphasis on corporate innovation. It is often seeking startups that have the potential to solve challenges or bring value to Telefonica's operations and customers. This corporate-startup collaboration can give startups a notable market entry advantage and provides Telefonica with innovative solutions and approaches.
Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.
Explore →Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.
Explore →Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.
Explore →As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.
Explore →By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.
Explore →Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.
Explore →Stay up to date on the latest startups, innovations, and dealflow opportunities coming out of Wayra University. Sign up now to receive exclusive access to these opportunities.
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