The American Fintech Council, an industry association representing fintech companies and banks, this week added the Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE) as their latest strategic partner. Located at the Fintech Innovation Hub by Delaware Tech Park on the University of Delaware campus, CAFE is a non-profit organization that advances financial health and wellness for low- to moderate-income (LMI) and other underserved populations through fintech innovation and partnerships.
“We are excited to welcome CAFE as our latest strategic partner,” said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. “In only a short time, the team at CAFE has built a network of leading financial institutions, academics, data scientists and cutting-edge startup companies to create an ecosystem that will collaborate to modernize the financial system and help democratize financial services.”
Through their Fintech Accelerator Program, CAFE supports and scales real-world innovation by helping to grow revolutionary businesses that not only create disruptive technologies but also have a strong focus on levelling the financial playing field. They work with financial institutions, investors, and other organizations to connect with cutting-edge fintech solutions to reach new customers and existing communities in new ways.
“AFC’s mission and values are closely aligned with CAFE, and we are thrilled to partner with such a change-making industry association to create a more inclusive financial system,” said Kristen Castell, CAFE managing director. “AFC is not just talk – they are doing the work with regulators, financial institutions, and fintechs every day – that will help improve business across the country and people’s lives. CAFE is excited to connect our respective communities for a greater positive impact.”
The American Fintech Council recently spent time in Delaware meeting with the first cohort of companies that were selected for the CAFE Fintech Accelerator Program. Companies chosen from across the United States, join a 10-week hybrid-virtual program where the accelerator companies will benefit through intensive growth-oriented curriculum, mentors, advisors, and speakers representing the wide range of stakeholders in financial equity, and ecosystem connections including financial institutions and banks, capital sources, and potential customers. The accelerator is the first of many programs and initiatives that the organization said it will offer to further the mission and to innovate finance, for better lives.
