Tech Nation seeks UK fintech start-up sensations
Tech Nation, the UK-based network for entrepreneurs, has unleashed its first ever dedicated fintech programme as it calls for start-ups across the nation.
Are you on the cusp?
The programme is open to early-stage companies looking to partner with, sell to, or otherwise work directly with other businesses, large or small.
To qualify, companies will need to be between seed and Series A stage, and be able to “demonstrate market success for their product – and they must be UK based”.
John Glen, Economic Secretary to the UK’s Treasury, says: “From London’s Silicon Roundabout to Scotland’s Silicon Glen, there are hundreds of promising British fintechs on the cusp of becoming the next major disrupter. That’s why we launched our Fintech Sector Strategy earlier this year, and why the Tech Nation Fintech programme is so significant.”
Eileen Burbidge, chair of Tech Nation, HM Treasury’s Special Envoy for Fintech and partner at Passion Capital, who is also one of the judges, adds: “Fintech has transformed many traditional services supplied by the financial services sector and is bringing huge benefits to the UK economy.”
The applicants who make it into the first cohort will get insights from entrepreneurs. These sessions will be centred around key topics inherent to scaling a business such as regulation, sales, partnering with incumbents and international expansion.
They will also be introduced to decision makers at financial institutions and investment firms. The programme will culminate in a showcase trip to the US – in mid-January 2019 – to give the cohort a feel for the American market, its ecosystem dynamics and investors.
Tech Nation is in a bubbly mood and cites last year’s figures. It notes that fintech firms attracted a record £1.34 billion in VC funding, which comprises 44.8% of all funding raised within tech in the UK.
Applications have opened today (13 June) and will close on 27 July. Successful participants will be notified in early/mid August. The programme kicks off in September.
You can apply here.
