Fintech start-up scheme: Applications open
A firm that aims to help start-ups in the financial technology area build their businesses is looking ahead to next year.
Startupbootcamp FinTech Singapore has opened applications for its 2017 accelerator programme. The programme is looking for start-ups with strong solutions in the hot areas of wealth management, back office and compliance solutions, and insurance tech. It is also open to start-ups working in traditional fintech spaces such as financial inclusion and payments.
Startupbootcamp FinTech is also launching a FastTrack tour across the Asia-Pacific, taking in 17 stops from Japan to Melbourne. It will scout the best fintech start-ups for next year's cohort. The 10 to 12 start-ups selected for these one-day events will get to meet top mentors and get useful feedback.
New lab to help start-ups around South-east Asia
Entrepreneur's Resource Centre (ERC) Holdings has launched a start-up laboratory, BIGFund, that will offer an accelerator programme aimed at helping start-ups commercialise their ideas across South-east Asia.
BIGFund will tap ERC's expertise in the hospitality, education, entrepreneurship and real estate sectors. It will focus on helping start-ups expand into Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam for now, but hopes to add seven more cities across Asean to its programme by 2020.
The lab has been launched with $1 million and will offer up to $50,000 of funding in cash and in-kind support for accepted teams to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey, helping them to nurture their businesses to commercialisation stages within six months.
Robo-adviser service executes first trades
WeInvest, a Singapore-based robo-adviser platform for accredited investors, executed its first trades on Tuesday.
Users began using the platform to invest in a diversified "All Weather Portfolio" from Singapore-based boutique investment management firm Lighthouse Canton.
• Singapore's burgeoning start-up scene punches above its weight for vibrancy, funding and market reach, and we want to give it deeper coverage.
The Straits Times is on the lookout for interesting start-ups and inspiring founders to feature in Start@SG. E-mail your stories to chiaym@sph.com.sg
