Irish fintech start-ups sought for London accelerator programme

Barclays Bank is looking for Irish fintech start-ups to take part in its London-based accelerator programme and a recruitment event for the programme taking place in Dublin today. The accelerator, which is run in conjunction with global accelerator Techstars, is an intensive 13-week programme for early-stage financial technology start-ups.

The 10 companies that are chosen to participate will receive access to technology, mentorship and coaching from industry experts, as well as introductions to Barclays and Techstars networks. They will also receive up to $120,000 in investment from Techstars, which is made up of $20,000 initial equity funding and an additional $100,000 convertible loan note that the companies have the option of taking.

The accelerator programme will begin in January 2016, with a demo day in London scheduled for the following April.

Barclays Wealth vice-president Martin Cass said the firm was keen to see some Irish entries and pioneering ideas. “Ireland has nurtured and produced a very significant number of successful tech entrepreneurs, has a national focus on fintech through its IFS2020 strategy and an already flourishing fintech industry.”

He said seven of the 10 companies that participated in the last accelerator programme in London were now pursuing contracts or experiments with the bank. “We recognise that to drive innovation within Barclays, we also need to look outside of the organisation, embracing new cutting edge technology in the start-up ecosystem.

“By combining the breadth and experience of Techstars in the accelerator space, and Barclays’ global financial expertise,” Mr Cass added, “this is the ideal opportunity for any company passionate about digital technology to help shape the future of the financial services industry.”

While on the accelerator programme, the 10 successful shortlisted companies will be based at the Barclays’ London escalator, an open innovation space designed to support start-ups and entrepreneurs.

On the subject of technology, Growth Hack Talks, a new growth hacking conference is coming to Dublin this week. The line-up of speakers features experts from Google, Uber, HubSpot, Eventbrite, Intercom and more. This event will bring together marketing experts and business leaders to share growth hacking insights, strategies and best practice.

Speakers include Uber general manager Kieran Harte, Eventbrite head of marketing Marino Fresch, Hubspot global head of growth Matthew Barby, SurveyMonkey vice president of international business operations Luis Franco, and AdRoll managing director (EMEA) Marius Smyth.