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Visa Crowns 'She’s Next' Winners in Egypt: PraxiLabs Takes Top Prize in Women’s Entrepreneurship Program

By Lauren Towner · 28 July 2026

In brief: Visa has named PraxiLabs, Up-Fuse, and Kennah as the winners of the fourth She’s Next Egypt program, providing $45,000 in total grants to support women-led business growth.

Key facts
Total Funding AwardedUSD 45,000
First Place PrizeUSD 20,000 (PraxiLabs)
Total ApplicantsOver 2,500 women-led businesses
Press Release: Visa Crowns 'She’s Next' Winners in Egypt: PraxiLabs Takes Top Prize in Women’s Entrepreneurship Program | Featured Image by FF News

Quick Summary

Visa has announced the winners of the fourth She’s Next Egypt edition, awarding $45,000 in total funding to women-led businesses PraxiLabs, Up-Fuse, and Kennah. The program, partnered with CIB and Shark Tank Egypt, provides critical growth capital, mentorship, and digital training to empower female entrepreneurs in the region.

How Does Visa Support Women Entrepreneurs in Egypt?

Visa solves the funding and mentorship gap for female founders by providing a structured platform for business model development and investor visibility. By collaborating with Commercial International Bank (CIB) and Shark Tank Egypt, the initiative ensures that women-led startups receive both financial backing and the professional network required to scale.

  • Direct Grant Funding: A total of $45,000 distributed among the top three winners to fuel operational expansion.
  • Expert Mentorship: Access to specialized training from the EBRD and industry leaders to improve pitch readiness.
  • Digital Transformation: Guidance on leveraging emerging technologies and digital payment tools to reach wider markets.

What Results Has the She’s Next Program Delivered?

The fourth edition of the program saw a massive influx of interest, highlighting the vibrant startup ecosystem in Egypt. The selection process filtered through thousands of applicants to identify high-growth ventures that address specific market needs through innovation.

  • 2,500+ Applications: Reflecting a high demand for entrepreneurial support among Egyptian women.
  • 9 Finalists Selected: Each received intensive developmental coaching before pitching to a panel of Shark Tank investors.
  • $3.8 Million Invested: Visa's global commitment to SME empowerment since 2020 through targeted grant initiatives.

How Do the Winners Impact the Local Economy?

By empowering businesses like PraxiLabs, Up-Fuse, and Kennah, Visa is fostering a more inclusive economic environment. These companies represent diverse sectors, proving that female-led innovation is a primary driver for community resilience and sustainable market growth in North Africa.

FF NEWS TAKE:

Visa’s continued investment in the She’s Next program definitely moves the needle by institutionalizing support for female founders in emerging markets. By bringing in Shark Tank Egypt and CIB, Visa has moved beyond simple CSR into a high-impact venture catalyst role. This creates a tangible pipeline for women-led fintech and tech-enabled businesses to secure the visibility they traditionally lack in the MENA region.

Frequently asked questions

Who won the Visa She’s Next Egypt 2026 competition?

PraxiLabs won first place, receiving a $20,000 grant. Up-Fuse took second place with $15,000, and Kennah secured third place with $10,000. These winners were chosen from over 2,500 applicants.

What benefits do She’s Next finalists receive?

Finalists receive access to specialized training, mentorship from industry experts, and visibility through partners like Shark Tank Egypt. This year, EBRD also provided a tailored course to help finalists scale sustainably.

How much has Visa invested in women entrepreneurs globally?

Since 2020, Visa has invested more than $3.8 million globally through grants and training programs specifically designed to support women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

About the companies

EBRD

Website · 8 stories on FF News since 2021

Previously on FF News:

Shark Tank Egypt

1 story on FF News since 2026

Visa

Website · 756 stories and 18 video interviews on FF News since 2018

Previously on FF News:

Companies in this story: EBRD, Shark Tank Egypt, Visa, Kennah, PraxiLabs, Up-Fuse

People in this story: Ahmed Tarek, Abdalla Salam, Malak El Baba

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