Holt Fintech Accelerator Launches Program 2.0

Holt’s fintech program 2.0 is going to be bigger and better with more advisors, potential for more investment, and more services to help fintech startups grow. Chosen early-stage pre-series A fintech startups (i.e. bootstrapped, pre-seed, seed, or bridge) will receive up to CAD $125,000, and a host of increased benefits that include:

• Tripling the amount of advisors, and their engagement – now almost 200 advisors – who represent financial institutions, investors and field experts

• New potential partnership opportunities with the newly launched Holt Financial (i.e. the family’s digital bank and digital exchange) and existing portfolio startups

• Over $100,000 in VIP software provider deals, and added support from specialized partners, including deep-tech labs

• Huge visibility, including a cross-Canada roadshow, leading to Holt’s unique Fintech Show, part of Montreal’s Fintech Forum

“Our first cohort was a resounding success, with dozens of deals made, $8 million in seed stage funding raised by our teams in only 6 months, and overall massive satisfaction from our startups and Advisors”, says Holt Fintech Accelerator’s Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Jan Christopher Arp. “We can’t wait to get started and generate results with Program 2.0!”

The leading-edge accelerator program extends the entrepreneurship legacy of Sir Herbert Holt, Quebec’s technology pioneer, who created one of the largest privately-owned utilities in the world and served as president of the Royal Bank of Canada for over 25 years.

“Our family’s heritage knew what it took to build one of the biggest banks in North America with the customer at heart,” says Brendan Holt Dunn, Founder of the Holt Fintech Accelerator. “From that legacy, we are building one of the world’s largest financial ecosystems, and we believe partnering with fintechs is a core component to putting the customer first.”

From the 400+ applications in the financial technology sector, worldwide, the top 30 applicants will be invited to Holt Selection Day 2019, to pitch in front of more than 100 financial institutions, investors, partners and advisors. Finally, 10 fintech startups will be selected for entrance to the program.

The growing list of partners includes Stradigi AI, Fairstone Financial Inc., Valtech, Montreal International, MLG blockchain, Fasken, and Finance Montreal, as well as a venture capital advisor list that includes: 8VC, Anges Québec, Aquiline Capital Partners, Bain Capital Ventures, BCF Ventures, Brightspark Ventures, Conversion Capital LLC, Ferst Capital Partners Inc., Good AI Capital, Good News Ventures, Impression Ventures, Inception Block Ventures, Information Venture Partners, iNovia, Kensington Capital, Luge Capital, MaRS Investment Fund Accelerator, NACO, OMERS Ventures, Panache Ventures, RBC Capital Partners, Reciprocal Ventures, Traction Ventures, Two Small Fish Ventures, and The Venture Center.

Additionally, Holt Accelerator is in advanced discussions with the VC firm Hatcher+, who would provide automatic co-investment for all teams accepted into the program. Wissam Otaky, Partner at Hatcher+ said, “We wanted exposure to Montreal and Canada, given its world-class AI and sound fintech ecosystem, and Holt Accelerator was the best option for us. We are excited to get our partnership finalized and looking forward to being involved which such a great team.”