Changelabs and Arab Bank Egypt Launch Intensive Bootcamp to Accelerate Egypt’s Most Promising FinTech Startups
Changelabs has partnered with Arab Bank Egypt to launch the ABX Egypt Fintech Startup Bootcamp, a specialized three-day program aimed at empowering high-potential Egyptian fintech founders with technical training, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities. The initiative is aligned with Changelabs’ new corporate offering and builds on a track record of successful regional collaborations with global organizations.
The bootcamp is designed to support startups developing financial solutions that enhance financial inclusion and address unmet needs of Egypt’s underbanked population. While Egypt has witnessed the rise of major fintech players such as MNT HALAN and Fawry, a significant portion of citizens still lacks access to essential financial services. This gap represents a major market opportunity for financial institutions seeking to leverage innovation from early-stage companies.
“Since launching our new corporate offering, we’ve seen tremendous interest from Egypt’s leading corporations to form productive collaborations with startups and SMEs, yet many still struggle to find practical frameworks for doing so,” said Karim Samra, Managing Director at Changelabs. “Our partnership with AB Xelerate is designed to accelerate fintech founders solving real market challenges for underserved communities, while also fostering value-driven collaboration between banks and innovative startups.”
Following an extensive application period and screening process, ten top founders were selected and invited to Arab Bank’s New Cairo headquarters. The intensive program featured expert-led workshops, fireside discussions with corporate leaders and investors, speed networking with potential customers, a Changelabs Pitch Hack, and a platform for founders to present to angel and venture capital investors. The winning startups received equity-free funding totaling EGP 300,000.
“Arab Bank is committed to supporting Egyptian innovation and empowering startup founders, while expanding access to modern banking solutions for the nation’s underbanked. This is the purpose behind AB Xelerate,” said Hala Zahran, Head of Arab Bank’s AB Xelerate. “Our collaboration with Changelabs allows us to explore cutting-edge solutions and dynamic startup models that can redefine the future of financial services in the MENA region.”
The Changelabs x Arab Bank Egypt Startup Bootcamp represents another strategic milestone in accelerating entrepreneurship and digital innovation across the region. It underscores Changelabs’ ongoing mission to strengthen ties between corporates and startups while positioning Egypt as a growing hub for fintech developmental