JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--FIS™ (NYSE: FIS), a global leader in financial technology and services, in collaboration with the state of Arkansas and Little Rock-based The Venture Center (VC), announced today that applications are open for the 2018 VC FinTech Accelerator program.
Now in its third year, the VC FinTech Accelerator seeks to accelerate the development and growth of early-stage financial technology ventures. Ten startups will be selected to participate in a rigorous 12-week program in Little Rock starting on April 30. In addition to monetary investment, each VC FinTech Accelerator participant will receive in-depth mentoring and training from FIS and The Venture Center as well as personal access to the FIS C-suite and senior leaders.
“FIS is proud to sponsor the VC FinTech Accelerator program again in 2018,” said Gary Norcross, FIS president and CEO. “The Accelerator is part of our broader innovative strategy of investing in and bringing to market disruptive new technologies to help our clients unleash innovation in their organizations. We look forward to discovering a new set of potentially game-changing innovations in this year’s participant class.”
The 2017 program received 295 applications from startup financial technology firms across the United States and 39 other countries. Benefits for numerous past participants include:
- Reseller and investment agreements with FIS
- Endorsement by the American Bankers Association
- Raising a combined $20 million in follow-on capital after completion of the program
- Finovate “Best of Show” designation
Key focus areas of previous participants included artificial intelligence, blockchain, regulatory, wealth and advanced analytics. Some of the most successful companies also have been selected for the FIS HiPo Network, a collection of high-potential firms that develop innovative tools and technologies to better enable financial institutions around the world.
Applications for the 2018 program will close on Feb. 5.
“We are excited to continue this collaboration with FIS to facilitate the development and growth of financial technology startups,” said Wayne Miller, managing director of the FinTech Accelerator at The Venture Center. “Among financial technology accelerator programs, the VC FinTech Accelerator stands out by providing real-world training and mentorship from FIS and The Venture Center, along with the ability to tap into FIS’ global network. Additionally, The Venture Center brings to the table hundreds of relationships with industry experts, banks from coast to coast, and officials at governmental and regulatory bodies.”
FinTech startups can apply to the 2018 VC FinTech Accelerator at www.f6s.com/vcfintech/apply.
To learn more about the VC FinTech Accelerator, visit www.venturecenter.co/vcfintech.
FIS is a global leader in financial services technology, with a focus on retail and institutional banking, payments, asset and wealth management, risk and compliance, and outsourcing solutions. Through the depth and breadth of our solutions portfolio, global capabilities and domain expertise, FIS serves more than 20,000 clients in over 130 countries. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., FIS employs more than 53,000 people worldwide and holds leadership positions in payment processing, financial software and banking solutions. Providing software, services and outsourcing of the technology that empowers the financial world, FIS is a Fortune 500 company and is a member of Standard & Poor’s 500® Index. For more information about FIS, visit www.fisglobal.com.
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About The Venture Center
The Venture Center helps entrepreneurs turn their start-ups into viable, high-growth businesses. By leveraging the expertise of a world-class team of mentors, intensive programming and introductions to the investor community, The Venture Center serves as an engine for economic growth in Central Arkansas and beyond. In the first three years, The Venture Center’s member companies have created more than 445 jobs, generated $28 million in revenue and have raised a combined $39 million in capital. For more information, visit http://www.venturecenter.co.