FINTECH 2020

About MassChallenge FinTech

Program Benefits

• Results-driven, 6-month partnership with one or more industry leaders: see our 2020 partners' reverse pitches
• Deep-dive sessions with industry experts to strengthen your enterprise-readiness as you scale 
• Access to strategic partners such as FinTech Sandbox and Brandeis International Business School 
• Bonus perks: equity-free cash prizes and access to free office space 

Timeline

• Applications Close: 11 October 2019 at 12:00PM (noon) ET
• Online Judging: October - November 2019
• In-Person Matchmaking: 9 - 11 December 2019
• Finalist Announcement: December 2019
• Program: January - June 2020

FAQs

How is MCFT different than an accelerator?

MCFT believes that startups and corporations can do more to transform financial services together than they can alone. We also know that collaboration isn’t easy--between differences in pace and culture–so we’ve identified the key pain points in our partner organizations and the people inside them who have the power and will to solve them.

Our partners’ challenges have C-Suite support, budget, and resources, and now they need YOU to help them tackle these globally significant issues. In turn, you’ll benefit from their deep subject matter expertise, customer bases, and ample resources – plus access to strategic partners such as FinTech Sandbox and Brandeis International Business School to grow your capabilities and reach.

What can I expect to get out of MCFT?

MCFT sets you up with meaningful partnerships– we’ve done the work and research to identify the most driven, informed changemakers in our partner organizations. We will work alongside you to facilitate those relationships and hit your milestones, so that you can capitalize on product validation, co-development, customer connections, strategic investments, and more. As a bonus, we provide equity-free cash prizes, access to industry experts, and office space.

Am I eligible?

It’s all about fit. General guidelines are less than $10M in total equity financing and less than $10M in revenue in the past 12 months. Note these are guidelines, not firm requirements. We know that entrepreneurs of all kinds can solve these massive challenges, and the startups that thrive in MCFT are “enterprise ready.” Enterprise-ready startups have the experience necessary to hit the ground running on day 1 of the program. Typically this means they have some traction in the market and a customer base, but early startups led by industry veterans can also be successful in MCFT.

Do I need to be based in Boston?

No, we accept applications from startups around the world. If selected as a Semi-Finalist, at least 1 representative from your team must travel to Boston for Matchmaking on December 9-11. Participation in the program requires at least 1 representative from your team to be present in Boston for 3 touchpoint events (January, March, and June). Any additional travel should be determined by you and your MCFT partner.

What does a typical day look like during MCFT?

Most of your MCFT time will be spent working with your partner(s) while you continue to run your business. That being said, we’re a firm believer in continual growth-–so you’ll be introduced to experts from industries such as financial services, law, compliance and regulation, and technology.

I'm interested in the partners, but what if I don't see a challenge that fits my business

If you’re a startup solving issues in financial services (broadly defined), we encourage you to apply. We know that many of our partners are facing more challenges than they even realize, and that you, as innovators, are working to solve problems that they haven’t anticipated yet. You may work with multiple partners, too. This collaboration is the key to the future of financial services, and we want you involved.