Global FinTech start-up accelerator launches in London

Leading European accelerator Startupbootcamp has today announced the launch of a three-month accelerator programme focused solely on financial technology (FinTech) start-ups.

Based in London, Startupbootcamp FinTech is open to early-stage businesses from across the world and claims to be the first of its kind to receive backing from multiple corporate firms, including Lloyds Banking Group, MasterCard and Rabobank.

Intended to help financial businesses “shape and build their development”, 10 start-ups will be selected for the scheme and will receive £15,000 cash, mentoring from “over 100” industry experts, and three month’s office space in the Rainmaking Loft, a workspace hub in Tower Bridge.

Lloyds, MasterCard and Rabobank will also provide members with access to potential customers, data, APIs and capital.

At the end of the programme, participating start-ups will be invited to pitch at an investment Demo Day to more than 150 VCs, angel investors and private investors.

The launch forms part of Startupbootcamp’s plans to run global initiatives in FinTech “hotspots” across the world, including New York, Singapore and Shanghai, with events such as financial “hackathons”, pitch days and exclusive FinTech “lounges” where start-ups will be able to meet financial industry executives.

Nektarios Liolios, managing director of Startupbootcamp FinTech, commented: “Technology has the potential to completely transform the way that the financial industry operates and because of this FinTech has become the hottest trend in today’s global start-up scene.

“We want to nurture talent, great ideas and innovation, and for us that also means involving as much of the financial community as possible. That’s why our mentors, investors and partners are made up of individuals from right across the financial services spectrum.

“We’re excited to get Startupbootcamp FinTech underway with a number of events planned for the first half of the year, all aimed at attracting talent, inspiring innovation and engaging entrepreneurs with the financial services industry.”

Director of digital payments and innovation at Lloyds, Alessandro Hatami, said:

“We hope to help smaller FinTech businesses get access to the expertise and funding they need in order to grow. We will work with Startupbootcamp to advise start-ups on how to become more effective in working with large financial institutions, especially by providing insight on customers’ needs and expectations.”

To apply for Startupbootcamp FinTech, click here.