The Investment Association Selects ipushpull to be part of new UK FinTech accelerator

ipushpull, a leading enterprise platform that improves efficiency by allowing secure live data sharing and workflow automation, is pleased to announce that they have been chosen by The Investment Association (IA) to be part of its latest FinTech hub ‘Engine’.

The accelerator programme will connect best-in-class FinTech innovators with investment managers looking to transform the industry. It will act as a catalyst for industry transformation and bring together focused tech solutions.

Matthew Cheung, CEO of ipushpull, said:"We are delighted to be part of the IA’s unique programme driving greater adoption of new technologies across investment management. ipushpull and our data-as-a service solution has been recognised for innovation, quality of solution and our focus on key industry problem areas within the investment industry."

ipushpull transforms data-driven workflow and improves efficiency across capital markets with real-time data sharing and workflow automation, delivering fast time-to-market and cost savings for data producers and services.

Working closely with the buy-side, the data as a service solution standardises and automates workflow using an innovative approach of bots and widely used chat applications. ipushpull has seen a dramatic increase in adoption of these solutions as buy-side traders are forced to work from home due to COVID-19.

John Macpherson, Deputy Chair of the IA Engine Advisory Panel, comments:

“We have certainly witnessed transformational changes over the last couple of months and have seen technology enable firms to operationalise and compete in these unusual and difficult times. We’re thrilled to offer ipushpull access to our industry-recognised programme and excited at such new and innovative technology which the IA can showcase to trading desks of UK based asset managers”.

ipushpull will work with the IA and harness the industry expertise of its partners and networks. Also, as part of the eight-month accelerator programme, the participants will receive mentoring from an industry-expert Engine Advisory Panel to help unlock potential for solutions throughout the sector, including Schroders, Aberdeen Standard Investments, Insight, Legal & General, M&G and UBS Asset Management.

Alongside ipushpull, the firms chosen are Exabel, Fundipedia, KiteEdge and Rungway.

About ipushpull:

ipushpull is transforming data-driven workflows and improving efficiency across capital markets with real-time data sharing and workflow automation. The Data-as-a-Service platform delivers fast time-to-market and big cost savings for data producers and services, providing unified, access-controlled data distribution into client applications (Custom Apps, Excel, Symphony, chat bots, notifications, APIs) and streamlining high-touch processes across the trade lifecycle with the ipushpull no-code custom applications and bot framework.

About The Investment Association (IA):

The IA champions UK investment management, supporting British savers, investors and businesses. Our 250 members manage £7.7 trillion of assets and the investment management industry supports 100,000 jobs across the UK. Our mission is to make investment better. Better for clients, so they achieve their financial goals. Better for companies, so they get the capital they need to grow. And better for the economy, so everyone prospers. The UK is the second largest investment management centre in the world, after the US and manages 35% of all assets managed in Europe.

Meet 12 Blockchain Startups Selected for Yes Bank’s First Fintech Accelerator

Earlier in the year, we broke you the news about how YES BANK has launched YES FINTECH – a unique business accelerator program in collaboration with T-Hub and LetsTalkPayments (Read Here). And now, within just two months of being live, the accelerator has announced the names of the 12 selected startups that are all set to join its inaugural cohort.

The accelerator received 753 Applications from 18 countries around the world and after a two month long application and screening process, it selected its Top 35 startups. These startups were then invited for an in-person demo, selection process to the YES FINTECH Accelerator Management Team. After this, the number was brought down to Top 12.

The 15 week Cohort, which launched on March 20, 2017, will include 3 onsite weeks in Mumbai and Hyderabad and the 12 offsite weeks where the startup can continue to work from its home location.

The selected startups are from fintech domains like cyber security, payments, lending and alternative scoring models, insta-credit, risk intelligence, capital markets and enterprise software and cutting across technologies like blockchain, big data and analytics, biometric and alternative authentication, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, API based SaaS solutions, chatbots etc.

Over the 15 weeks cohort, the start-ups will receive:

• Mentorship and guidance from industry experts on how to create a scalable business from their products and deploy their innovative technologies within a collaborative framework.

• Integrating their technologies into YES Bank’s ecosystem through- digital infrastructure support (API Banking, BIN Sponsorship, etc.), access to funding (through the Bank/ its network of Investors, across PE/ VCs) and advisory on Go-To-Market strategies and market penetration.

• Access to funding of upto USD 1 million through VC partners without any equity commitment.

• Access to YES BANK Network of 2 million + retail, 10,000 + SME and 5000 + corporate customers.

The 12 fintech startups, selected to the inaugural cohort are:

RedCarpet: Founded in the year 2015, the startup lends to customers to finance their online purchases - ecommerce, groceries, travel, etc. In India, credit and finance companies are able to service less than 3% of the customer base because there is no data, no widespread credit bureaus to profile and score customers. The Y Combinator summer 2015 graduate claims to have an access to much more data which it puts to use to service customers who never had any access to credit before.

Numberz: The startup is working towards simplifying the process of running businesses by seamlessly integrating business workflows with banking services. The startup claims that it offers business owners a common-sense approach to cash flow management.

Morph.Ai: Morph.ai is an end-to-end solution that aims to empower companies to make their services available over websites, apps and messengers by making use of natural language understanding and artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbots. A part of Nasscom 10000 startups, Morph.ai helps businesses in making, deploying and training their own chatbots so as to better engage with their customers. In what could be considered as a big achievement, the startup is currently powering Manchester City chatbot.

Anytime Loan: An alternate lending platform, which offers its consumer loans and MSME business loans using Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Predictive Science tools in order to create Alternative Scoring and KYC models.

Click & Pay: As the name suggests, the startups enables its users to make payments across offline stores, at restaurants and for all transportation means by offering them deals before they make the payment. It provides users easy payment options by making transactions cashless, secure and flexible.

Authme: The startup is making an innovative use of Artificial Intelligence to replace passwords with unique pattern technology and bring security and UX together.

Signzy: The startup makes use of a unique combination of Artificial Intelligence and advanced cryptography to provide a digital on-boarding solution for banks, NBFCs and several other financial institutions. The startup aims to make digital regulatory processes secure, simpler and more compliant than ever.

The year 2016 was an extremely successful one for the startup as it won several laurels and awards. It won the Payment System Innovation Contest 2016 IDRBT competition, which was sponsored by RBI and also became one of the 400 startups recognized by DIPP.

SoCash: A cash management platform for banks, it creates small network of merchants in order to make cash accessible beyond ATMs.

R1mo: The startup claims to be the first FX B2B marketplace in India that is making use of blockchain technology to offer its clients a customised distributed financial technology solution that interfaces with existing systems/processes for cross-border payments

FRS Labs: A Bengaluru-based startup, FRS Labs is working on fraud detection, cyber security and identity verification using Artificial Intelligence and biometrics.

Rupeeseed: The 2011 born startups provides capital market solutions for retail and institutional trading using robo advisory and analytics engine.

Paykey: An Israel-based startup, Paykey is working towards making banking as simple and frictionless as possible through an integrated in-app keyboard which gives users an option to make payments while using any app.

Meet 12 Blockchain Startups Selected for Yes Bank’s First Fintech Accelerator

Earlier in the year, we broke you the news about how YES BANK has launched YES FINTECH – a unique business accelerator program in collaboration with T-Hub and LetsTalkPayments (Read Here). And now, within just two months of being live, the accelerator has announced the names of the 12 selected startups that are all set to join its inaugural cohort.

The accelerator received 753 Applications from 18 countries around the world and after a two month long application and screening process, it selected its Top 35 startups. These startups were then invited for an in-person demo, selection process to the YES FINTECH Accelerator Management Team. After this, the number was brought down to Top 12.

The 15 week Cohort, which launched on March 20, 2017, will include 3 onsite weeks in Mumbai and Hyderabad and the 12 offsite weeks where the startup can continue to work from its home location.

The selected startups are from fintech domains like cyber security, payments, lending and alternative scoring models, insta-credit, risk intelligence, capital markets and enterprise software and cutting across technologies like blockchain, big data and analytics, biometric and alternative authentication, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, API based SaaS solutions, chatbots etc.

Over the 15 weeks cohort, the start-ups will receive:

• Mentorship and guidance from industry experts on how to create a scalable business from their products and deploy their innovative technologies within a collaborative framework.

• Integrating their technologies into YES Bank’s ecosystem through- digital infrastructure support (API Banking, BIN Sponsorship, etc.), access to funding (through the Bank/ its network of Investors, across PE/ VCs) and advisory on Go-To-Market strategies and market penetration.

• Access to funding of upto USD 1 million through VC partners without any equity commitment.

• Access to YES BANK Network of 2 million + retail, 10,000 + SME and 5000 + corporate customers.

The 12 fintech startups, selected to the inaugural cohort are:

RedCarpet: Founded in the year 2015, the startup lends to customers to finance their online purchases - ecommerce, groceries, travel, etc. In India, credit and finance companies are able to service less than 3% of the customer base because there is no data, no widespread credit bureaus to profile and score customers. The Y Combinator summer 2015 graduate claims to have an access to much more data which it puts to use to service customers who never had any access to credit before.

Numberz: The startup is working towards simplifying the process of running businesses by seamlessly integrating business workflows with banking services. The startup claims that it offers business owners a common-sense approach to cash flow management.

Morph.Ai: Morph.ai is an end-to-end solution that aims to empower companies to make their services available over websites, apps and messengers by making use of natural language understanding and artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbots. A part of Nasscom 10000 startups, Morph.ai helps businesses in making, deploying and training their own chatbots so as to better engage with their customers. In what could be considered as a big achievement, the startup is currently powering Manchester City chatbot.

Anytime Loan: An alternate lending platform, which offers its consumer loans and MSME business loans using Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Predictive Science tools in order to create Alternative Scoring and KYC models.

Click & Pay: As the name suggests, the startups enables its users to make payments across offline stores, at restaurants and for all transportation means by offering them deals before they make the payment. It provides users easy payment options by making transactions cashless, secure and flexible.

Authme: The startup is making an innovative use of Artificial Intelligence to replace passwords with unique pattern technology and bring security and UX together.

Signzy: The startup makes use of a unique combination of Artificial Intelligence and advanced cryptography to provide a digital on-boarding solution for banks, NBFCs and several other financial institutions. The startup aims to make digital regulatory processes secure, simpler and more compliant than ever.

The year 2016 was an extremely successful one for the startup as it won several laurels and awards. It won the Payment System Innovation Contest 2016 IDRBT competition, which was sponsored by RBI and also became one of the 400 startups recognized by DIPP.

SoCash: A cash management platform for banks, it creates small network of merchants in order to make cash accessible beyond ATMs.

R1mo: The startup claims to be the first FX B2B marketplace in India that is making use of blockchain technology to offer its clients a customised distributed financial technology solution that interfaces with existing systems/processes for cross-border payments

FRS Labs: A Bengaluru-based startup, FRS Labs is working on fraud detection, cyber security and identity verification using Artificial Intelligence and biometrics.

Rupeeseed: The 2011 born startups provides capital market solutions for retail and institutional trading using robo advisory and analytics engine.

Paykey: An Israel-based startup, Paykey is working towards making banking as simple and frictionless as possible through an integrated in-app keyboard which gives users an option to make payments while using any app.

Startupbootcamp Launches FinTech Accelerator Program in India as Part of Emerging Markets Expansion

Startupbootcamp, the global family of industry-focused startup accelerators, announced the launch of its Startupbootcamp FinTech program in Mumbai. Following the success of programs in London, Singapore and New York, the evolution of the FinTech program to Mumbai ensures coverage of the three main FinTech hubs around the world and now the fastest growing economy. Startups can apply to be part of the program from the 28^th of September, with the accelerator beginning in the early part of 2017.

ICICI Bank, as a founding institution, will mentor the winning companies, help them enhance their business plans and products. As a part of the partnership, the bank will also pick up equity stake in these companies.

Speaking on the initiative, Abonty Banerjee, Senior General Manager & Head- Digital Channels, ICICI Bank said, “ICICI Bank has always been at the forefront to provide opportunities and avenues to the young Indians. We are delighted to partner with Startupbootcamp and see the fascinating ideas that come from the young Indian’s and play a role in their journey.  ICICI Bank is committed to harness latest technology for the benefit of our customers across geographical and economic segments of the country”.

FinTech is a young but rapidly growing sector in the India economy, led by an innovation-driven ecosystem, and a large consumer base.

Financial inclusion is a growing theme and priority within FinTech, particularly within the developing world, where millions require access to basic financial services offerings such as bank accounts. Between 2011 and 2014 alone, 700 million adults worldwide become account holders and the number of unbanked dropped 20% according to The World Bank. The FinTech community has a huge role to play in helping build a bridge out of poverty.

The program is also focused on InsurTech, which is undergoing a transformation in India on the back of innovation in aggregation and comparison engines.

Alok Vajpeyi has been named as the Chairman of the new program, which is backed by leading names in the global financial technology community such as ICICI Bank, ICICI Lombard, RBL Bank, AZB & Partners and PwC. Startupbootcamp FinTech invites global startups from across financial technology to apply to take part in the three-month accelerator program.

Sanjay Sharma, Chief Information Officer, RBL Bank, commented: “Technology usage among emerging economies is becoming increasingly more advanced and widely adapted, with mobile usage a driving force enabling great potential to make a difference to millions of people. There are great FinTech success stories in these developing countries, particularly in the digital banking and payments spaces, but so much more needs to be done. With the help of our partners, we can help hundreds Indian startups, joining them up with the financial services and making a real difference to the people of India.”

"At RBL Bank, we stand at the intersection of entrepreneurs, ideas, technology and banking services. As an institution, we have been an early supporter of the startup-ecosystem and have also been at the forefront of supporting the emerging venture debt market in India, which focuses on new-age businesses and early stage start-ups. We are happy to tie up with the Startupbootcamp Fin Tech accelerator program in India to partner with startups for developing cutting edge technologies that are responsive to the fast-evolving needs of Indian customers”, added Sanjay

AZB & Partners firmly believes in the game changing potential of FinTech, especially in India and would therefore like to assist Indian start-ups to transform into global leaders.

“Our expansion into India builds on the momentum of Startupbootcamp worldwide, which has accelerated over 340 startups in 14 different programs worldwide since 2010. India, as the fastest growing economy has many challenges it needs to overcome if it is to reach its potential, which presents great opportunities to FinTech startups in the country. We are excited to see the talent that emerges from the new program.” said Nektarios Liolios, Co-Founder and CEO, Startupbootcamp FinTech.

PwC has chosen to expand its global relationship with Startupbootcamp FinTech and as global partners, they are working together to develop trend reports looking at developments in the FinTech and InsurTech space, building on Startupbootcamp’s expertise in developing early stage companies.

"Cutting-edge technology is reshaping the financial services industry in India. Technology disruptions and innovations are removing the barriers and issues related to infrastructure and inclusion, and are enabling the financial services industry to serve a previously untapped clientele as well as improve service to present ones. The StartupBootCamp program has been instrumental in giving wings to startups and enabling them to grow in the FinTech space globally”, said Vivek Belgavi, FinTech Leader and Partner, PwC India.

“PwC has been a partner to the program globally and we will expand this relationship in India. It is a pleasure for us to work in the FinTech ecosystem and support such a program, which lays the foundation for acceleration of innovation in the financial services industry", further added Vivek.

Biographical Info on Chairman

Alok Vajpeyi is Chairman, Startupbootcamp FinTech India, and External Adviser to UKTI India on FinTech. He is a prolific venture investor and serial entrepreneur, and is presently involved as Advisor and on Boards across a diverse set of companies. He has held senior management positions over a span of 30 years in leading Financial Services companies in the UK, Asia and India. Alok graduated from the LSE and is an ACA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, England and Wales.

Applications Open for Mumbai Accelerator Program

The program will provide startups with the unique opportunity to work together with Startupbootcamp partners and influential players in the FinTech industry, such as ICICI Bank, ICICI Lombard, RBL Bank, AZB & Partners and PwC, as well as leading financial services industry experts from the Startupbootcamp global network.

Startupbootcamp FinTech India will also provide mentorship, office space and access to funding and a network of industry partners, investors and venture capital firms for up to 10 selected global FinTech startups. Based in Mumbai, each successful team will also receive a €15,000 grant and office space for at least three months.

To kick off, startups from all over the world are invited to apply to present their ideas to the Startupbootcamp FinTech team at a series of Fast Track days within India in Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, as well as in Dubai, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Interested startups can apply for Startupbootcamp FinTech Mumbai Accelerator Program here: https://www.startupbootcamp.org/accelerator/fintech-mumbai/

Applications will remain open until 20 December 2016.

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