Finding Fintech Accelerators in Unlikely Places: Simple Guide

FinTech Accelerators provide an invaluable resource for the development of new financial technology products with their mentorship and connections, access to capital, and more. 

However, finding the right accelerator for your business can be difficult, as there are many accelerators and incubators out there to choose from, and each of them has a different focus. 

Use this article to learn about the types of FinTech Accelerators that exist today, how to find Fintech Accelerators in unlikely places and which ones may be the best fit for you or your business idea.

About Fintech

The world of fintech is ever-evolving and full of opportunities. Fintech accelerators provide an invaluable resource to entrepreneurs, connecting them with the mentors, resources, and capital they need to turn their ideas into reality.

However, the traditional startup ecosystem can be difficult to penetrate, particularly for those in unlikely places. For many entrepreneurs, the idea of launching a successful fintech venture in an unfamiliar location can be daunting.

Fortunately, there are several options available to fintech entrepreneurs in unlikely places.

What are Fintech Accelerators?

Fintech accelerators are programs designed to help early-stage startups get the resources and mentorship they need to accelerate their growth and success. 

These programs can take many forms, from full-time immersive programs to part-time boot camps or even virtual incubators.

In general, fintech accelerators provide funding, mentorship, access to networks, and resources to help founders navigate the fintech industry and build successful companies. 

However, the specific resources that each accelerator offers can vary significantly. For example, some accelerators may provide dedicated workspace and office hours with mentors, while others may offer only virtual support and networking events. 

Regardless of the form of the accelerator program, these resources can be invaluable for early-stage entrepreneurs looking to break into the fintech space. With the right combination of resources, founders can quickly accelerate their progress and gain a foothold in the highly competitive industry. 

The challenge is that most fintech accelerators are based in major tech hubs like San Francisco, London, and New York. But what if you don’t live in one of these cities? How do you find an accelerator program that meets your needs? 

Fortunately, entrepreneurs have plenty of options outside these traditional hotspots. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best accelerators in unlikely places—cities that aren’t normally associated with the tech industry.

What Are Some Of The Best Fintech Accelerators To Consider?

Below are some of the best fintech accelerators:

1. 500 Startups

500 Startups is a global venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley with a network of startup programs and over $454 million in committed capital across four main funds and fifteen thematic funds. 

Since its inception in 2010, they have invested in over 2,200 technology startups worldwide, including Twilio (NYSE: TWLO), Credit Karma, SendGrid, Grab, GitLab, Bukalapak, Canva, and others.

2. Accelerator Centre

With the goal of building successful companies, the Accelerator Center provides an essential combination of in-house mentorship, educational programming, facilities, networking, and access to funding and facility services. 

The company’s in-depth programming, unique accountability model, and long-term perspective set it apart from other Canadian commercialization accelerators and incubators.

3. Advance Technology Development Center (ATDC) – Georgia Tech

The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) is a startup incubator in Georgia that assists technology entrepreneurs in launching and growing successful businesses. 

Since its inception in 1980, ATDC has helped generate millions of dollars in tax revenue by graduating over 130 companies that have raised over a billion dollars in outside financing. 

ATDC is Georgia’s technology entrepreneurship hub, with headquarters in Atlanta’s Technology Square.

4. Baltic Sandbox

This is a program for SaaS and Fintech startups. Baltic Sandbox assists pre-seed and seed-stage startup founders in developing their businesses in the EU and the United States by providing connections, knowledge, expertise from global mentors, and investment opportunities. 

Lithuania is known in the EU market for its outstanding success-driven #fintech, #insurtech, and #SaaS initiatives, as well as extremely convenient government programs (Startup Visa), strong corporate support, and dependable connections across the Baltics, Nordics, and the UK.

5. Accelerator at Barclays

The Barclay Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is a 13-week fintech program run by a full-time, dedicated Techstars team. The program is available in four cities: New York, London, Cape Town, and Tel Aviv.

Where to Look for Fintech Accelerators in Unlikely Places

When it comes to the world of fintech, the first thing that may come to mind is Silicon Valley. After all, it’s home to some of the most well-known technology companies, many of which have had a hand in developing the technologies used by financial services firms. 

However, if you’re looking for fintech accelerators and incubators, you don’t have to limit yourself to Silicon Valley. In fact, there are a number of unlikely places around the world where you can find fintech accelerators. 

These unlikely places can be great resources for entrepreneurs looking to get their fintech ideas off the ground. 

One such place is Toronto, Canada. Toronto is home to several accelerator programs specifically focused on fintech companies. These accelerators provide mentorship and funding to early-stage startups in the finance and technology space, helping them get their businesses up and running. 

The UK is also becoming a hub for fintech startups. London has emerged as one of the leading cities in the world for fintech innovation, and it has a number of accelerators and incubators that are specifically geared towards helping fintech startups get their ideas off the ground. 

In addition, there are a number of accelerators in other countries, such as Singapore, Australia, and South Africa, that offer specialized programs for fintech entrepreneurs. These programs provide access to capital, mentorship, and networks that can help entrepreneurs bring their ideas to fruition. 

Finally, there are a number of fintech accelerators based in smaller cities or regions throughout the world. For example, Madrid is home to Fintech España, which offers funding and mentorship for Spanish-speaking fintech startups. 

What Are The Tips For Applying To An Accelerator Program?

If you’re considering applying to an accelerator program, here are some pointers to consider:

1. Make your concept simple to grasp.

When you’re working on something, you’re immersed in it every day and have a thorough understanding of it. It takes a special skill to take a new idea and share it with someone who is completely unfamiliar with it. 

So many startups fail to communicate what they are doing. The most important tip is to have a very clear message about what you do and to demonstrate it to people in an elegant manner.

2. Concentrate on Crafting Your Pitch

It all comes down to the pitch. Most tech startup founders are so immersed in their product that they forget how to speak at a high level about who the technology is for. Remember to avoid getting too specific about the technical specifications and instead tell a story. 

This story should revolve around your ideal customer. Discuss their aches and pains, as well as how your tech will solve all of their problems. It’s critical to remember that when you tell your story, the customer is the hero, not you.

3. Prepare your numbers in advance.

You can concentrate on delivering an excellent pitch, but don’t overlook the importance of presenting accurate numbers. Examine your story to determine which statistics will stand out in your presentation. 

This adds density to your business presentation and informs them of what they can do to help your progress. If you know your numbers, experts can assess where you need to improve and help you patch things up.

4. Establish Your Value Proposition

Without the direction of a clear value proposition, you risk taking unnecessary detours and chasing after irrelevant products or services. 

A clear value proposition keeps you focused on the most important aspects of your startup while also demonstrating to incubators that you mean business. They’ll be more likely to see why you’re worth their money.

How to Evaluate a Fintech Accelerator

When looking for the right fintech accelerator for your startup, it’s important to consider all of the options available. That includes exploring accelerators in locations you may not have initially considered. 

It’s possible to find great opportunities in unexpected places, so don’t limit yourself when evaluating potential accelerators.

If you’re searching for a fintech accelerator outside of traditional hot spots such as Silicon Valley or New York City, there are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating your options. 

Here are some tips to help you identify a great accelerator program, no matter where it may be located: 

1. Do Your Research

It’s important to do your homework before committing to an accelerator. Read reviews from past participants, look up their alumni network, and study their overall track record. 

Make sure the accelerator is reputable and has a successful history of helping fintech startups get off the ground.

2. Look for Quality Mentorship

Quality mentorship is one of the most important elements of any accelerator program. Be sure to ask questions about the mentor network and what kind of feedback and guidance the mentors provide.

3. Evaluate the Network

A good accelerator should be part of a larger network of investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in the fintech space. The more connections your accelerator can offer, the better chance you have at success.

4. Consider the Location

Location matters, even if you’re looking for an accelerator outside of a major city. Think about whether the location could offer additional advantages, such as access to local resources or greater opportunities to network with others in the industry.

By researching different accelerators and weighing your options carefully, you can find the perfect one that can help your fintech startup reach its full potential. 

Don’t discount any opportunity just because it may not be in a traditional tech hub – take the time to evaluate all of your options, and you may find an unexpected accelerator that offers the perfect fit for your business.

Benefits of Using Fintech Accelerators

Fintech accelerators provide a great opportunity for startups and established businesses alike to access resources, expertise, and connections that can help them grow. Finding fintech accelerators in unlikely places can offer unique advantages.

For startups, fintech accelerators can provide guidance on how to develop their business, including advice on how to structure their business model and bring a product or service to market. 

Furthermore, fintech accelerators often have access to networks of financial experts and potential investors, which can prove invaluable when attempting to secure financing.

Established businesses can also benefit from fintech accelerators. By participating in an accelerator, established businesses can gain access to technological advancements, new ideas and insights, and valuable connections in the financial sector. 

How Do You Assess Whether Or Not A Fintech Accelerator Is A Good Fit For Your Company?

When it comes to selecting a fintech accelerator for your business, there are several things to consider before you make a commitment. 

Not all accelerators are created equal, and some may not be the best fit for your specific goals and needs. Before you decide on an accelerator, it’s important to evaluate the program and make sure it aligns with your expectations. 

The first step in assessing whether or not a fintech accelerator is a good fit for your company is to research the various options available. 

Look into what services each program offers, including mentorship, educational opportunities, and potential access to investors. 

Also, examine the industries that the program focuses on and the types of companies they tend to attract. By doing this, you can get an understanding of how well the accelerator matches up with your business’s objectives and capabilities.

Next, review the costs associated with participating in an accelerator. Consider how much time and money you are willing to invest and look into what kind of financial assistance or equity deals might be available. 

Additionally, compare these costs with the expected returns and assess how successful other companies have been after completing the program.

Finally, take into account the geographical location of the accelerator. While most accelerators are located in major metropolitan areas, there are also some great opportunities in more rural or remote regions. 

What Are The Challenges Of Finding A Fintech Accelerator?

Finding a fintech accelerator can be a daunting task for any startup or entrepreneur. The challenge lies in knowing which accelerators are out there, how to access them, and how to navigate the application process.

For many entrepreneurs, the first step is to identify the accelerators that offer programs related to fintech. This can involve researching online, reaching out to relevant contacts, and attending industry events. 

Unfortunately, most accelerators are located in major cities, making them difficult to access for entrepreneurs outside of those locations. In addition, many accelerators have specific criteria that entrepreneurs must meet in order to be eligible.

Once a list of potential accelerators is established, it’s time to explore the application process. Each accelerator has its own requirements and timeline, so it’s important to read through all of the information carefully before applying. 

It’s also important to take advantage of any resources available such as mentorship or networking opportunities.

Finally, there may be unexpected sources of fintech accelerator programs, such as local governments or universities. These programs may not always be widely advertised, but they can provide invaluable resources for startups and entrepreneurs. 

Bottom Line

In conclusion, finding fintech accelerators in unlikely places can be a great way to get your business off the ground. 

While these accelerators may not have the same visibility as more established ones, they can often provide an even better environment for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses. 

However, it is important to do your research before joining an accelerator and make sure that it is the right fit for your business. Finding the right accelerator can be the difference between success and failure for your business, so it’s worth taking the time to do your research and make sure you’re in the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions