The Hong Kong Investment Corporation (InvestHK) has opened applications for the seventh round of its Fintech Accelerator. Global Fast Track (GFT) 2024Applications will be accepted until September 20th.
The program invites fintech companies from both domestic and international markets to pitch their ideas on a global platform and provides mentorship and business matching to help them realize their potential.
Global finalists from GFT’s pitching competition will compete in the Grand Final at Hong Kong Fintech Week (HKFW).
This year’s programme includes new features aimed at further strengthening Hong Kong as an international fintech hub.
“InvestHK is excited to partner with Huawei to bring its innovative solutions to the Hong Kong market,” said King Leong, Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech and Sustainability at InvestHK.
“Global Fast Track has evolved into a fintech-friendly platform over the past few years. We have helped over 1,000 fintech companies from over 50 economies showcase their cutting-edge innovations and accelerate their market entry in Hong Kong and beyond.”
“We are excited to build on this success and continue to provide unparalleled access to our global network of more than 100 investors, business advocates, mentors and industry leaders through GFT 2024.”
Enhanced networking opportunities
New features for GFT 2024 include enhanced networking opportunities.
These opportunities include ongoing one-on-one meetings facilitated by the GFT matchmaking platform.
Additionally, the new Founders Champions Night will bring together Hong Kong champions who have been successful in fundraising, acquisitions, international expansion and more, and provide them with the opportunity to network exclusively with GFT finalists.
More international leaders, including investors and financial institutions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, will participate, furthering connectivity between the GCC region and Hong Kong.
A new investor networking night will enable businesses to connect with leading investors to provide growth and fundraising opportunities.
Expanding vertical trajectory towards 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, GFT will be expanding its focus areas to include ESG/Green Fintech, Blockchain and Insurance/Healthtech, in addition to its existing Fintech and Artificial Intelligence areas.
This expansion reflects evolving trends in the financial services industry.
The semi-finalists from each track will be invited to Hong Kong to pitch their ideas in person during HKFW, with the Grand Final scheduled for the second day.
The event offers fintech innovators a unique opportunity to present their ideas to thousands of attendees, including leading corporations and investors seeking fintech solutions and investment prospects.
Past winners have come from a variety of countries, including Canada, France, Israel, mainland China, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
InvestHK will collaborate with Finoverse, who has been appointed co-organizer of GFT 2024, to take the program to new heights.
Leon added:
“With the new capabilities we are introducing this year, we aim to further unlock the true potential of innovation in the fintech industry and provide a springboard for breakthrough solutions that will drive transformational change.
We look forward to welcoming talented applicants from around the world and seeing great results from this program.”
For more information about the complete GFT 2024 program and application process, please visit here.
Featured Image Credit: Free Pick
