Top 10: Fintech Accelerators and Incubators

As the pace of technological innovation continues at a rapid pace, and new fintechs hit the market equipped with the latest AI, data and machine learning capabilities, the role of accelerators and incubators is perhaps more important than ever. 

Helping emerging fintechs achieve their aims of gaining access to a highly competitive market, below, we look at the Top 10 fintech accelerators and incubators on the market today. 

10. Fin + Tech

Fin + Tech is the Italian fintech and insurtech accelerator of CDP’s National Accelerators Network. The venture was founded as part of an initiative of CDP Venture Capital SGR alongside Digital Magics, Startupbootcamp, Fintech District, Credem Group and Nexi. Fin + Tech selects 16 startups for an accelerator round, which benefit from a package of services and investments worth €300K (US$325k), as well as support from the promoter's team to help fintechs stay competitive on the market.

9. Startup Wise Guys

Established in Estonia in 2012, Startup Wise Guys is a distinctive accelerator led by tech enthusiasts, educators and experts. The group guides fintech startup founders on their entrepreneurial journey through a 22-week accelerator programme. With more than 35 diverse initiatives, the accelerator nurtures global expansion aspirations, tapping into a community of accomplished founders from 60+ countries to support the upcoming generation of startups.

8. FIS Fintech Accelerator

Market-leading fintech FIS operates one of the leading accelerators on the market – FIS Fintech Accelerator. Operated in partnership with Venture Center, FIS Fintech Accelerator runs a 12-week programme for 10 startups at a time, fostering connections between young fintechs and banks, subject matter experts and financial service executives. The FIS Fintech Accelerator has helped flourish including Bankifi, OakNorth and Digital Onboarding, which recently received US$58m in new funding.    

7. Fintech Innovation Lab

The Fintech Innovation Lab has fast-become one of the most impressive accelerators on the market with three main hubs in London, New York and Hong Kong. The lab is sponsored and managed by Accenture in collaboration with the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides a 12-week programme to help selected startups refine and test their value propositions with the support of some of the world’s leading financial services firms. The Fintech Innovation Lab helps startups build connections with relevant decision-makers and increase visibility with the organisations and people that matter. 

6. Revtech Labs

Previously named QC Fintech, Revtech Labs is the accelerator tailored to driving success for founders. Based in the US, the company works to connect founders with the right strategic corporate partners and the venture capital industry. Revtech Labs caters to players at all levels in the fintech industry, from startups to large corporations and venture firms to small community organisations. The accelerator enables all by plugging them into its global fintech ecosystem, allowing them to connect with all parties across the value chain. 

5. Barclays Tech Stars

The Barclays Tech Stars accelerator operates in both New York and London, allowing startups to take part in 13 intensive weeks of development. Successful candidates work alongside each other to develop their solutions together, receiving hands-on advice, support and tools to develop their fintech business. The 13-week programme culminates in the Barclays Accelerator Demo Day, where participating startups pitch to top-tier investors from around the globe. The Barclays accelerator programme selects a diverse group of companies, from cybersecurity and AI to wealth management, investment banking and cryptocurrency. 

4. 500 Startups

500 Startups operates a global fintech accelerator programme that connects startups with more experienced fintechs that have previously been in their shoes. Launching its first accelerator programme in 2010, 500 Startups offers tailored programmes specific to a startup’s/founder’s requirements. The accelerator focuses on more than simply connecting startups to the right investor, but looks to promote the right marketing capabilities, culture, startup accounting practices, product design and more. Culminating in a demo day at the end of the programme gives participants to present their business and secure interest from 500 Startups’ expansive network of investors. 

3. Y Combinator

Y Combinator is one of the best-known and most regarded fintech accelerators on the market today. Based in the tech capital of the world, Silicon Valley, Y Combinator has helped secure funding for over 4,000 startups to date at a combined valuation of US$600bn. Each company accepted into the Y Combinator programme gets a standard deal investment of US$500,000 guaranteed. The accelerator has helped fund some of the leading fintechs on the market today, including Stripe, Coinbase, Brex, Razorpay and Groww.  

2. Startupbootcamp

Second on our list of Top 10 accelerators is Startupbootcamp. As well as helping operate Fin + Tech, an earlier entry in our list, the company operates two separate accelerators, the FinTech & DeFi programme and the FinTech & CyberSecurity programme. Both accelerator programmes offer three-month intensive courses designed to enable growth at speed for participants. Startupbootcamp’s FinTech & DeFi programme offers an initial €110,000 (US$119,969) investment per startup, as well as access to a global network of investors, VCs and Angels, while those looking to enter the accelerator’s FinTech & Cybersecurity programme will have access to €15k (US$16,300) initial investment. Both programmes provide access to guided support and intense mentorship opportunities. 

1. PlugAndPlay

With 1,285+ total investments, PlugAndPlay is our number one entry. Facilitating technological progress, it connects blue-chip corporations with startups globally through three growth-focused initiatives. Its Corporate Innovation scheme helps to forge partnerships between large corporations and startups, while its 60+ programmes help nurture fintech growth in over 35 cities around the globe. What’s more, its venture capital arm invests globally in startups and fintech ventures, solidifying its position as a key player in fostering innovation and collaboration within the fintech ecosystem. PlugAndPlay supports participants by tapping into the innovation strategies of over 70 of the world’s largest financial institutions, providing participants with access to a network of 50,000+ startups so they can keep up with the latest industry trends, launch pilots, POCs and more.

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