FinTech is one of the hottest themes in the startup scene. Disruption is happening fast and venture capital money directed towards financial service innovation is at an all-time high.
At the same time, the interest level from financial incumbents to partner with these startup innovators is matching pace. For example, Techstars’ partnership with Barclays has grown exponentially, creating a sub-network of four FinTech accelerators within the Techstars family. The Barclays Accelerator, Powered by Techstars programs are now in London, New York, Tel Aviv, and Cape Town, essentially fostering the largest FinTech pipeline in the world.
Through the expansion of this relationship, Techstars has also expanded its team of Managing Directors to lead our efforts in these cities. Joining me and Jenny Fielding (who runs New York) is Chris Adelsbach in London, Liron Rose in Tel Aviv, and Yossi Hasson in Cape Town.
All three of them — Chris, Liron, and Yossi — share the characteristics we believe are the magic combination for our most successful MDs. All three are experienced and successful entrepreneurs, having built up and exited their own companies. All are angel investors with their own portfolios and track records. And most important, all of them are mentors to entrepreneurs in their ecosystems from whom they receive rave reviews.
Jenny and I are both proud and excited to have Chris, Liron, and Yossi joining Techstars, our team, and our journey with Barclays to help build the greatest FinTech companies in the world!
Applications for Cape Town and Tel Aviv are open now!