New York opens doors for Swiss Fintech startups

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Ritah Ayebare Nyakato/Stefan Kyora

04.05.2017
Stefan Steiner, Managing Director venturelab

Fintech startups aiming to developing their companies in the heart of the finance industry are invited to submit their applications for the venture leaders Fintech program 2017 until 14 May. Stefan Steiner,Managing Director at venturelab gives insights on the new program and the significance of New York for Fintech startups.

The venture leaders program has a long tradition. Through all the years the basic principle stayed the same – Swiss startups travel to business hotspots around the world. Lately more and more different venture leader programmes were launched by venturelab. The latest edition is the Fintech venture leaders program. In September, ten selected startups will travel as the Swiss National Fintech Team 2017 to New York for a one-week business development program. They will have the opportunity to meet leading investors and industry players as well as understand the US market at large.

In a short interview Stefan Steiner, Managing Director German speaking part of Switzerland at venturelab, explains why New York is an important destination for Fintech startups.

What inspired you to dedicate a separate program to Fintech?
Fintech has become a trending topic worldwide and has continued to gain popularity across borders. Our goal is it to strengthen Switzerland’s position in the global fintech landscape and to showcase the best Swiss startups in the fields of Blockchain, InsurTech, crowd lending, payments, etc. Venturelab thus strives to boost the sector by offering fintech startups the opportunity to grow their companies, right in the heart of Fintech.

Why did you choose New York as the destiny for venture leaders Fintech?
New York has been a hotspot for the financial sector for several years and harbours some of the major banks in the world. Fintech investments in North America has shifted away from ventures that compete against financial institutions and toward those that partner and collaborate with them. Therefore, startups will find a large customer base of financial institutions and experts. New York is an ideal place to meet potential customers, business partners and investors.

How is your Fintech network established?
The last three years we were in New York with the venture leaders Technology team and built up a great network with US investors. We partner with Postfinance, digitalswitzerland and Swiss Finance Startups who will bring in their fintech and finance network to connect the 10 Swiss fintech startups with top US investors, industry leaders and startups.

Why should startups participate in the competition?
The week-long roadshow in New York is a door opener for fintech and insurtech startups to prepare the US market entry as they will meet well-known investors from the financial sector, both international and New York based, as well as stimulate collaborations for their global expansion. The goal is also to build a solid network through their exchanges with the peers in the team. Participation in the venture leaders Fintech trip is completely free of charge.

Interested Fintech startups may submit their applications until 14. May 2017.

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