Fintech
Investing in the future with FIS
Do you want to know the investment strategy of one of the largest fintech companies in the world?
In this interview with Tal Sigura, Senior Manager of Venture Investments at FISlet’s find out what their current focus is and how they are helping small fintech companies grow.
Through their well-established accelerator program, FIS is looking to find and scale the best in the industry. The FIS accelerator was started in 2017 and is one of the a series of similar accelerators from established multinational companies seeking to find and support new technologies. Previous participants include NayaOne, Kani, Themis, OakNorth, FlutterWave and others.
We have covered this aspect and the role accelerators could play in bridging the funding gap for new fintechs a recent magazine article. We talked about how, in the wake of a funding slowdown, it’s possible for fintech startups to get a boost by joining an accelerator like FIS and gain access to a range of benefits.
Speaking to us at the Fintech Meetup in Las Vegas earlier this year, Sigura outlines what it’s all about. In the interview above she explains how FIS facilitates the introduction to both customers and investors, connecting fintechs, traditional banks, venture capitalists and the broader ecosystem.
Big benefits for fintech startups
Furthermore, they also provide valuable knowledge and expertise, helping founders overcome their most significant challenges. It’s an enviable offer and makes the competition for places so hotly contested.
Since they started in 2017, the plan has always been to make strategic investments in companies that can give them a greater grip on the future of fintech. Sigura talks about it here and outlines their current investment strategy that prioritizes strategic alignment, looking for fintechs that complement FIS’ existing offerings. There are numerous areas of focus, including platforms, embedded finance, accounts receivable, accounts payable and financial intelligence, which she says includes identity verification and personalization.
It also speaks to the significant level of involvement FIS has in the development of these startups once they join the program. They deploy a dedicated team to guide fintechs through the various investment stages, offering support with product integrations and facilitating the introduction of new customers.
It’s an interesting chat and a short, digestible video, so enjoy and if you’re coming from a fintech sector and you’re looking to accelerate with one of the bigger companies to do so, make sure you get your application ready for next year.