WISE GUYS FINTECH

Starting October 2020

Why Fintech Accelerator?

After successfully completing the first three Fintech focused accelerator programs in the Baltics, Europe’s leading B2B accelerator is gearing up already for the fourth Fintech program to be run from Vilnius, Lithuania.

We are looking for Fintech, PropTech, RegTech, InsurTech, Analytics and Cybersecurity startups and can accommodate the needs of early-stage teams and also more mature teams with MRR above 5K EUR. While the idea and product, of course, is important, we are mostly looking for solid & passionate teams with global ambitions and the power to execute!

At Startup Wise Guys we’ve been accelerating startups since 2012 with already two major exits from our portfolio and an overall startup survival rate of 77%. Having worked with 30 Fintechs already – well, we have what it takes to help Fintech startups GO BIG!

Applications are open until August 28!

Pre product-market fit

55.000 € investment + program
(for up to 9% equity)

+ follow on possibility

For startups with:

– MVP in place

– up to 5K EUR MRR

Post product-market fit

Up to 100.000 € investment + program
(for up to 9% equity)

+ follow on possibility

For startups with:

– more than 5K EUR MRR

Benefits

Access to our follow up funding and network

Dedicated Fintech mentors and tailored to the startup needs

Dedicated coaches within more than 12 focus areas

Support for registration and licensing (if required)

Ongoing portfolio support after acceleration

Free modern office space during the program

Yearly alumni gathering (SWG getaway)

Perks (AWS, Google, EIT Digital etc)

Program Outline

As of autumn, 2020 Startup Wise Guys is launching a new format of acceleration program that is better fit to meet the needs of today’s startups and apart from intensive mentoring offers also implementation time. The program is run with 9 content modules to cover all aspects of accelerating product, company, and founders.

Applications Open

Startups can apply online and catch the Wise Guys Sustainability team for a chat, office hours and free mentoring at events. Follow our Facebook page for updates on upcoming events.

Selection Bootcamp

Our selection committee, consisting of investors, mentors, and Wise Guys Fintech team, will select up to 25 startups who will be invited for the 3-day Selection Bootcamp.

Program Starts

Setting the Fundamentals

The program begins with clear KPI and goal setting and work on the team itself.

Customer Discovery

A module on the target market and customers follows to find out where to focus the team’s attention.

Product Alignment and Sales Acceleration

First product sprint of the program to answer the big product-related questions.

Market Engineering

A module on defining the startup’s strengths and characteristics that make it distinctive.

Sales and Marketing

Development of marketing and sales strategies as well as pitch upgrade.

(Product) Build

Implementation time of the knowledge gained and for the growth of the business.

Business Development

Business and sales development combined with the second product sprint.

Startups 12 months road map

A module on the future of the startup’s journey within tech, sales, and business.

Fundraising

Fundraising strategy and broad exposure to Business Angels and VCs.

Post-Program Support

After program care

Continued on-demand help will be provided from the Startup Wise Guys team and mentors, as well as a never-ending journey as a part of the Startup Wise Guys alumni community will follow.

Accelerating in Lithuania

Don’t let this small Baltic country fool you – named as “one of Europe’s Most Exciting Fintech Hotspots” by Forbes and having taken the strategic positioning as “preferred gateway to EU payment market”, it has a lot to offer to early-stage startups, especially in the Fintech area. Besides, the startup ecosystem is friendly and buzzing with Fintech and tech events and has all important connections within a hands’ reach.

Lithuania is the only jurisdiction in the EU to have a special-purpose banking license, allowing the foundation of a bank with registered capital of just €1M EUR. Additionally, they’ve created a “newcomer banking licence package” for alternative tech banks, passed a P2P lending law to regulate the industry, and have launched a blockchain sandbox.

The Baltics overall rank on highest positions in terms of starting and ease of doing business. Just like in neighboring Estonia and Latvia, Lithuania as well has a special startup visa for non-EU founders. Although launched only in the middle of 2018, it has already opened doors for way above 300 applicants from outside the EU. For more perks on building a startup in Lithuania go to the Baltic Startup Scene Report.

Awesome Mentors

We have a deep network of 250+ mentors who are experts in their fields or founders of startups themselves. Here are some of our top Fintech mentors you will get the chance to meet and learn from at Wise Guys Fintech accelerator program.

Johan Lorenzen

Former CEO of Holvi (exited to BBVA)

Mārcis Goģis

Head of Product at Mintos

Gediminas Misevičius

Open Banking Partnership Manager at Swedbank Lietuvoje

Remco Veenenberg

Founder of Budapest AI and previously co-founded 2 digital health startups

And 250 more… Take a look

Team

Running an accelerator is a bit like running a sports camp! This is the kick-ass team that will keep you on track with KPIs, give constructive feedback and make your stay in Vilnius a life-changing experience!

Jone Vaituleviciute

Managing Director

Andra Bagdonaitė

Program Manager

Dmitrij Sosunov

Entrepreneur in Residence

Cristobal Alonso

CEO and batch energizer

And 10 more… Take a look

In collaboration with

Industry and knowledge partners

Wise Guys Fintech 4 is the third accelerator program run in Lithuania by Startup Wise Guys as a part of the „Financial instrument „Accelerator fund”, financed by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)”.

Applications Closed

With more than 185 startup investments behind our back and a solid team of serial entrepreneurs and passionate mentors – we for sure have what it takes to help you speed up your business and scale internationally! Hit the button to the right and apply to the waiting list for the next program.

Apply Now