We're thrilled to open applications for the 2024 edition of the Future of Finance Accelerator, a partnership between ABN AMRO and Techstars. This program is the premier destination for unstoppable founders across Europe, who are looking to accelerate their early-stage fintech and fintech-related startups.
The past 1.5 years saw the depths of a downturn that was very challenging for the startup ecosystem. Specifically also for fintech startups, fundraising became very very difficult. As we step into 2024, we see the landscape changing, signaling a renewed phase of interest, investment, and growth in fintech and related fields. The graduating cohort from our 2023 edition launched into a world markedly different from the one the ‘22 class launched into. A world that is starting to show increasing optimism and investment appetite, also for fintech and fintech-related companies. This might be one of the best times to start a tech challenger and join our Amsterdam-based Future of Finance Accelerator. At the Future of Finance Accelerator ABN AMRO and Techstars have partnered up to support founders in achieving their vision of a modern, sustainable, and digital financial system.
The Future of Finance Accelerator has successfully completed three editions, with the last two being fully in-person in Amsterdam. Our program stands out for its exceptionally high founder satisfaction rates, achieving a 100 NPS in 2022 and a 95 NPS in 2023. These high scores show we are true to our commitment helping our companies make 1.5 years of progress in a three-month period. With our program team, our group of experienced fintech operators and investors who form our mentor base, and with the full support of ABN AMRO, we enable true acceleration of the path to early customer success, traction, and funding.
We will select 10 early-stage Europe-focused companies to join the class of 2024. We’re looking for unstoppable founders who focus on solving fintech challenges in the widest sense of the word. We are specifically interested in companies operating at the intersection of sustainability and fintech or that are bringing GenAI solutions to the wider financial industry. This year we will also take applications from companies that might not be considered pure fintech but that are developing products that could be core applications for banks’ operations or could be interesting for banks to offer to their customers.
The 2024 accelerator will be an in-person program in Amsterdam, running from September 9 to December 14. The application window is now open until May 22. Each participating startup receives an investment of $20,000, along with an optional $100,000 convertible note. In exchange, the accelerator acquires 6% ordinary stock in each company, offering lifetime access to the Techstars network.
Interested founders are encouraged to connect with us. We're hosting in-person events in Amsterdam, London, Berlin, and Paris, offering a unique opportunity to engage with our program team, ABN AMRO, and leading European fintech investors. Virtual events are also scheduled, with updates available on our page. For a more personalized discussion, book a 1:1 Office Hour with our program team.
Ready to take the leap? Start your application here and join us in shaping the future of finance. We're excited to see what we can achieve together.
Managing Director, Future of Finance Accelerator