Applications close on May 24
The 2019 Kiwi FinTech Accelerator programme is now accepting applications.
Now in its third year, the programme aims to provide New Zealand fintech start-ups with pathways and access to global markets. This year, programme founder Kiwibank will be joined by New Zealand’s own international fintech success story, Xero, along with SBS Bank, Centrality, and Centrix.
“Previous ventures have created great products and through the accelerator programme were able to network and raise funds to accelerate the growth and development of their businesses,” Kiwibank fintech lead Anand Ranchord said. “The diversity of Kiwi FinTech Accelerator sponsors provides amazing opportunities for start-ups to find partnerships to grow.
“There is access to expertise, tools to build products, as well as go-to-market support – invaluable assets to any start-up business,” he noted.
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The programme is jointly delivered with Creative HQ, runs for 12 weeks and sees teams work intensively with expert support to innovate, build, launch and expand their business. As well as in Wellington, the programme will run from multiple sites, including Xero’s Rewired space in Auckland, and SBS Bank office in Invercargill.
“Rewired is an innovation hub for tech and fintech-focussed small businesses, so we saw it fitting to host the first Auckland based Kiwi FinTech Accelerator in our space,” Xero’s small business director Nicole Buisson said. “Having started as a small business ourselves, we know that it takes a community to develop, collaborate and scale together, which is why we are proud to be partnering with Kiwibank in this venture.”
Applications close on May 24. The programme will begin on July 1. A Demo Day, where participants pitch to potential investors and the wider tech community, will take place in early October.
