Martin Cass, vice-president at Barclays Bank Ireland. Image: Barclays Bank
Barclays Bank Ireland announce launch of this year’s accelerator programme, with a laser focus on fintech companies.
Irish fintech companies are welcome to apply to the Barclays Accelerator this week in Dublin, powered by start-up venture capital outfit Techstars.
The Barclays Accelerator is an intensive 13-week programme that aims to support 10 early-stage companies from all over the globe.
A record number of applications from Ireland were counted last year, with Courtsdesk making it to the final 10 successful participants. This year, applications are expected to increase once again, particularly following Courtsdesk’s success.
Courtsdesk is a news and data service designed to simplify access to Irish courts. Following its placement in the programme, it went on to build a world-class advisory board, raising seed capital and setting up an office in the Barclays London innovation site, Rise.
Barclays ‘keen to see more Irish entries’
Vice-president at Barclays Bank Ireland, Martin Cass, said: “An increasing number of technology start-ups are flourishing in Ireland and we’re keen to see more successful Irish entries emerge from our accelerator programme and benefit from the significant support on offer.
“This year, we hope to attract start-ups working on payments, big data management, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and other groundbreaking technologies.”
He continued: “This is a superb opportunity for Irish technology start-ups with a focus on financial services to benefit from access to investment to progress their business, as well as receiving exposure to the global capabilities of Barclays and Techstars.”
Multiple opportunities for fintech start-ups
The 10 companies chosen to participate will receive investment of up to $120,000, access to technology, mentorship from industry experts, and the benefits of the extensive professional networks of Barclays and Techstars.
The chosen companies will also be based at the Rise venue in London for the programme’s duration.
Barclays, along with Techstars managing director Chris Adelsbach and programme manager Madeleine Blythe, will be hosting a series of one-on-one meetings with prospective programme applicants in Dublin this week, on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September.
Applications to the programme close on 12 November. More information for prospective applicants can be found here.
