DIFC FinTech Hive, the first and largest financial technology accelerator in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has announced the growing popularity of both the DIFC FinTech Accelerator programme and the AccelerateHer programme, which contribute significantly to leading the future of the financial sector and developing female talent with the finest international skills.
The FinTech Accelerator’s programme has successfully supported more FinTechs than ever before this year with over 40 accelerated start-ups, serving the priorities of more than 10 top-tier institutions.
Bringing together an unrivalled community of the region’s leading financial services companies such as banks, investment and insurance firms, the FinTech Accelerator 2021 programme pairs participating FinTechs with industry partners, enabling them to work flexibly to unlock new growth opportunities. Participants will also be able to pitch their businesses to key stakeholders and investors including the DIFC’s own $100illion FinTech Fund.
The AccelerateHer programme succeeded in increasing the number of participants from within financial institutions, selecting another 21 candidates for its second cohort, and taking the total to over 40 women this year.
The second cohort of AccelerateHer continues through a hybrid programme structure combining both virtual and in-person elements, enabling global participation for those who wish to access the wealth of expertise and experience within DIFC. The DIFC FinTech Hive first launched AccelerateHer in 2019 to develop female talent in financial technology and innovation sectors. To date, the programme has successfully supported over 70 participants with one-to-one mentorship, workshops and networking opportunities.
Raja Al Mazrouei, Executive Vice President of DIFC FinTech Hive, commented: “The accelerator programmes that we offer at FinTech Hive contribute directly to shaping the future of the financial services sector in the UAE. The high demand for participation in these programmes reflects the confidence in our distinguished programmes, which enables participants to take advantage of the new opportunities available in the sector in the best possible way. We are keen to introduce more initiatives that will enhance the position of the Emirate of Dubai as a leading global financial hub.”
The programmes will conclude with the FinTech Hive’s annual flagship event ‘Investor Day’ which will take place on December 6, 2021. Investor Day serves as the graduation platform for the programmes as an opportunity for the wider investor community to meet the start-up finalists as they enter the next round of funding.
