First Circle, the Philippine-based fintech firm dedicated to support small and medium enterprises, has been selected among thousands of high-impact companies to join the prestigious global Endeavor network leading high-impact entrepreneurship movement around the world.
Endeavor aims to identify innovative and driven entrepreneurs from across the world who are committed to building big businesses that have a positive economic impact. The global organization has screened more than 80,000 businesses from 33 markets worldwide to date.
The International Selection Panel held in Stellenbosch, South Africa on Dec. 11 to 13 is the culmination of a rigorous multi-step selection process to identify innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are committed to advancing an ecosystem of entrepreneurship.
Among the 25 high-impact entrepreneurs selected in the global panel hosted by Endeavor South Africa are Irish co-founders Patrick Lynch and Tony Ennis who started First Circle in the Philippines where SMEs comprise 99.6 percent of businesses, but rarely grow due to inadequate financing.
First Circle is closing the $50-billion financing gap by providing SMEs with working capital through a fintech platform that can approve and disburse unsecured loans in as little as five days.
Top business leaders and investors from around the globe — drawn from Endeavor’s network of board members, mentors and supporters, and experienced Endeavor Entrepreneurs — served as panelists at the Stellenbosch event, evaluating them on their potential for high-impact growth, and deliberating on which candidates should be selected to become Endeavor Entrepreneurs.
Selected Endeavor entrepreneurs gain access to comprehensive customized services, including introductions to local and international business mentors and volunteers from Fortune 500 consulting firms who will help them address key needs.
Endeavor now supports 1,793 entrepreneurs leading 1,124 companies in 33 markets around the world.