Are you ready to create the modern architecture for the financial industry in the digital age?

By Kartik Varma, Managing Director of ABN AMRO & Techstars Future of Finance Accelerator

Sep 13, 2021

Entrepreneurs and startups are creating the new architecture for the financial industry in the digital age. ABN AMRO Bank and Techstars invite ambitious startups to apply to The Future of Finance Accelerator based in Amsterdam to help their founders achieve their vision of a modern, sustainable and digital financial system.

Amsterdam is one of the leading financial center’s in Europe, building on the Netherlands’ history of financial innovation going back a few centuries. ABN AMRO Bank is playing a pioneering role in how a bank can create a more sustainable future, and is becoming a financial institution commensurate with the needs of businesses and consumers in the digital age. Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed with over 3,000 companies having successfully completed our 90 day accelerator programs and thereafter becoming a part of the Techstars network for life.

Areas of Interest

We want to work with founders and strong teams in all areas of fintech. We welcome applications from across the world, of all races, ethnicities, cultures and genders.

This year, the Accelerator’s specific areas of interest are at the intersection of Fintech with Sustainability and with Digital Assets.

The IPCC report from August 2021 is a reminder of the changing state of the climate system and human influence on it. The finance industry can and should play a critical role in promoting a more sustainable and climate friendly world. Both ABN AMRO and Techstars have a strong commitment towards ESG. Within this area, we are keen to work with startups that help accelerate the transition to a more sustainable world. For example, startups engaged in green mortgages, circular economy, sustainable supply chains, financial aspects of mobility, ESG and related compliance, climate related insurance, and inclusive lending among other sectors.

The world is in the early days of building the foundation of a digital economy. The financial services industry can facilitate and accelerate this economic transition. We are interested in startups building the infrastructure for digital and crypto assets such as DeFi platforms, protocols and NFTs, while in the background close to 50 Central Banks are actively designing or planning to introduce their own digital currency. We want to work with startups in the field of interoperability, open banking, cyber security, data, digital identity and financial inclusion.

With our geographical and sectoral focus, the Future of Finance Accelerator is well positioned to help startups take advantage of the EU policy for the use of blockchain for sustainable economic development addressing climate change and supporting the European Green Deal. 

Accelerator Dates and Program Format

• Deadline for applications: May 11th, 2022

• Final selection of 10 companies: Towards mid July 2022

• Program start date: Towards mid September 2022

• Demo day: Early December 2022

We are planning for a hybrid program, combining the best of an in-person experience with virtual engagement. In-person will allow us to work in close proximity to the global headquarters of ABN AMRO and have regular access to industry and product experts from the Bank. Virtual sessions will allow us to source the best of Techstars’ global network for content, masterclasses, mentors and venture investors from across the world.

If health, safety and travel guidelines permit once we are in 2022, we shall consider a fully in-person program.

Every startup that joins our program is offered the same terms. We invest $20,000 in each company, and offer an optional $100,000 convertible note. In return for joining the program and access to the Techstars network for life, the Accelerator takes 6% ordinary stock in each company.

Come Meet Us

If this sounds interesting for you and your co-founders, come meet us!

We will be hosting virtual “Meet & Greet” events with members of the Group Innovation Office and Domain Experts from ABN AMRO, and with the Program Team of the Future of Finance Accelerator. Check this page regularly for the updated schedule.

We will also host 1:1 Office Hours with companies. You can book your time slot here.

If you feel ready to apply, please start your application here and we look forward to reviewing it.

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