Standard Chartered Bank and Supercharger, a Hong Kong-based accelerator, have opened up applications for global Fintech firms to participate in the “SuperCharger FinTech Accelerator 2.0”, a 12-week innovation programme aimed at helping promising FinTech companies grow their footprint in Asia. The very first round saw 160 applicants from 25 different countries.
Standard Chartered is a global bank based in the UK but having a significant presence across Asia. SuperCharger is a focused accelerator targeting the burgeoning financial innovation sector. For the 2nd year in a row, Fintech Accelerator 2.0 will provide participants access to market entry resources, mentors, technology advice from industry experts and joint-venture opportunities.
SuperCharger explains that the selection panel will be looking out for Fintech companies that may shape future trends in banking and financial services.
May Tan, Chief Executive Officer for Hong Kong, Standard Chartered Bank Limited, said his bank was committed to investing in disruptive innovation.
“Following the successful launch of SuperCharger FinTech Accelerator last year, we are excited about gathering another cohort of talented FinTech professionals and helping them accelerate in their innovation process. Standard Chartered is pleased to see the Hong Kong Government’s strong support for FinTech in particular for the banking sector. As one of the key banks in the city, we will continue with our efforts in facilitating Hong Kong as an open market for FinTech development.”
Standard Chartered’s Chief Data Officer, Shameek Kundu, stated they were proud to continue being the founding sponsor.
SuperCharger was first launched in January 2016 and already claims several solid success stories. MicroCred raised $71 million to expand into China following their participation. Funding Societies captured $7.5 million to build a peer to peer lending plaform. Sequoia participated in that funding round.
SuperCharger also points to the partnership between Amareos and Thomson Reuters to combine technology and data to facilitate clients’ investment decisions on a financial application and the partnership formed between MicroCred and Gatecoin allowing Gatecoin to scale up beyond Asia into Africa.
Arnaud Ventura, CEO of MicroCred, commented on his firm’s participation;
“SuperCharger FinTech Accelerator has created tremendous networking and collaboration opportunities for MicroCred China by putting us in front of FinTech and venture capital communities. With the right platform for us to fine-tune our strategy and develop our P2P business models, we were able to secure concrete corporate partnerships that will help our company achieve our next stage of growth.”
Applications are being accepted until October 20th. The program kicks off in January. SuperCharger is also doing a roadshow to spread the word with stop in various Asian cities including; Singapore, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Bangalore and Kuala Lumpur.