Finovate Alumni News– March 6, 2014

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  • iQuantifi launches financial advice platform to general public.
  • Billeo and Danal partner to create a mobile ID solution for Billeo’s XpressBuy checkout service to make it easier by autofilling forms with your relevant information.
  • GMC Software Technology and Kony partner to develop next-gen document tech solutions for businesses.
  • SecureKey Concierge Service tops one million-credential mark.
  • American Banker takes a look at Jack Henry & Associates and its acquisition of Banno.
  • FinovateEurope: Behind the Scenes with Arxan Technologies, Kensho, and Plutus Software.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

iQuantifi Launches Financial Advice Platform to General Public

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Earlier this week, iQuantifi launched its virtual financial advisor to the public. Now everyone can sign up for iQuantifi’s platform that helps users identify, prioritize, and achieve their financial goals.

Its Core Planning Algorithm helps users pay down their debt and achieve their financial goals that are personalized for each individual user.

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In order for iQuantifi to help users build their goals, they need to answer a few basic questions about:

    • Family status
    • Income
    • Expenses
    • Debts
    • Accounts and policies

A subscription for iQuantifi costs just under $10 per month. However, it is currently running a Refer a Friend promotion that grants users free access to the platform if they share iQuantifi on Facebook or Twitter.

To see iQuantifi’s Best of Show demo, check out a video of its live demo at FinovateSpring 2012.

Finovate Alumni News– February 28, 2014

  • Finovate-F-Logo.jpgPindrop Security launches Industry’s First Combined Voice Biometric and Phoneprinting Fraud Detection System.
  • Tyfone launches mobile banking platform for small and medium FIs.
  • Taulia launches Taulia Enhanced Discounting which gives organizations the choice of using cash or the capital of a third-party FI to pay early.
  • FreeAgent launches its first dedicated division giving direct support to UK accountants and their clients.
  • ShopKeep POS reaches 10,000 customers, announces expansion in Ireland and western U.S.
  • PrivatBank launches HCE mobile NFC payments solution.
  • Housing Wire lists Realty Mogul among its 100 most innovative technology companies for 2014.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

FinovateEurope: Behind the Scenes with NF Innova, Tink, and Vaamo

In another behind-the-scenes view of FinovateEurope 2014, we take a closer look at NF Innova, Tink, and Vaamo.

If you missed the previous two behind-the-scenes features, be sure to check out:



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What they do
NF Innova helps banks provide a tailored banking experience for their customers. This Personal Experience Module replaces a company’s static CRM system with an adaptive solution. It responds to individual users’ needs without the need for administrative input. 
By monitoring user behavior on digital touch points, it automatically provides the functionalities that appeal most to each user. The result is a solution that provides a single location for the end user to address all of their financial needs.
Stats
  • $1.5 million in revenue in 2013
  • 1 million users in its iBanking suite
  • 42 employees
  • 15 years experience working with banks
The experience
Customers are greeted with a login screen that speaks especially to them. In this example, the customer is greeted with a clean login screen that targets them with a home mortgage.
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After logging in, the user sees a financial “command center” where they can view multiple accounts and have access to P2P payment options, alerts, account balance and feed of transactions over time, and more.
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In this view, the My Cards section on the right is expanded to detail the customers’ balance across their credit card accounts.
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NF Innova’s solution works for both larger and smaller financial institutions. It is working with one of the largest financial institutions in Russia but is mostly focused on the European market. However, it plans to expand to both North and South America later this year.


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What they do
Tink is a direct-to-consumer mobile app seeking to reinvent PFM to make managing finances more enjoyable and digestible for ordinary people. Its average user is a 25-year-old female, and in order to appeal to this demographic, Tink makes looking at finances as easy and beautiful and checking your Instagram feed.

The Sweden-based company does its own aggregation, ensuring that all of users’ transactions are accurately represented. This is crucial because, as Tink notes, it is rare for users to manually input or change details about their transactions. Therefore, if the aggregation isn’t done correctly the first time, the user’s view of their finances will never be accurate.

Stats
  • 150,000 users 
  • 10 employees
  • Average user logs in 3 times per week
The experience
The middle phone below depicts the user’s financial feed, which has a similar feel to Facebook’s activity feed. Its purpose is to inform the consumer of their spending while not making them feel guilty about it. By viewing spending habits as something positive, Tink encourages users to log in more frequently.
 
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In addition to the general activity feed, Tink also shows the user a close up view of their spending. The phone in the middle depicts spending across simplified categories, and the one on the right is a magnification of what the user spent on a specific category, Food & Drinks.
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Tink is live in Sweden on iOS and Android. It plans to launch in other markets in the future.

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What they do
Vaamo helps users achieve their personal financial goals by providing them a simple and easy-to-use platform that visually portrays their goals over time.
 It invests the user’s money in international equities, government and corporate loans and real estate. To optimize return on investment, Vaamo uses an investment approach that was developed in collaboration with the Goethe-University in Frankfurt.
If one of the funds changes unexpectedly, the user is prompted to log in and change their goal by either contributing more money or extending the time period.
Stats
  • 14 employees
  • More than €500K in capital raised
  • It is in final negotiations in contracting with a bank in Germany to h
    old customer account balances.
The experience
The screenshot below depicts a user’s view of their three goals. With a personalized picture as the background and the progress bar in the middle, it is easy to see each savings goal.
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The interface below illustrates the simplicity of setting up a goal. Instead of being burdened with selecting individual funds, the user needs only to select their risk class and how much they are willing to contribute initially.
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Users can withdraw funds from their goals at any time. When they opt to withdraw from their account, they are prompted to make a choice about how they want to make up the amount they took from their savings goal (see the red box in the screenshot below).
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Vaamo is a paid product that will target 25-45 year olds who earn a range of €3k to €10k per month.

Check out Vaamo’s live demo video from FinovateEurope here.


Stay tuned next week for another behind-the-curtain view of FinovateEurope 2014.

Tradeshift Raises $75 Million, Plans to Open Office in Tokyo

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Further enforcing the trend of small business tools in fintech, online invoicing company Tradeshift announced a $75 million round of funding.

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The new installment comes from Singapore-based Scentan Ventures, which Tradeshift now claims as a partner.

The San Francisco-based company has global offices in Copenhagen, London, and Suzhou and plans to use the funds to expand to Asia and open an office in Tokyo. This is a large step in its stated mission of “connecting every business on the planet.”

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Tradeshift, which counts 500,000 businesses connected on its platform, differentiates itself with a dynamic discounting service that gives buyers a discount for paying their suppliers early.

Tradeshift demoed at FinovateEurope 2012. Watch its demo video here.

Startupbootcamp’s FinTech Program Launches in London

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Startupbootcamp is a 3-month accelerator program that aims to give startups exposure to key players in their industry, while connecting them to a community of top-level mentors and advisors.

The organization recently launched a FinTech-exclusive accelerator in London, which will begin August 11. It is accepting applications from startups now through June 22, but the earlier you apply, the better chances you have to get into the program.

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In exchange for 8% equity, you get:
    • Extensive mentorship from +100 entrepreneurs, investors, and partners
    • Access to top markets in London, U.S. and APAC
    • 3+1 months free office space
    • €15K in cash per team
    • €450K+ in partner services
    • Exposure to 200+ Angels & VCs
    • Invitation to SBC global alumni network and growth program

Startupbootcamp’s other programs have so far proven their worth. In fact, over 70% of participating startups have gone on to receive funding.

In addition to the FinTech accelerator, Startupbootcamp has seven other programs located in Europe with unique foci:

    1. Istanbul serves as a hub for startups in the Middle East and North Africa regions.
    2. Israel is focused on startups within internet and mobile technology. 
    3. Amsterdam focuses on intensive mentoring from industry leaders across Europe and beyond to bolster their funding.
    4. Copenhagen works primarily with startups focusing on mobile devices and related technologies and solutions.
    5. Berlin helps entrepreneurs launch their business ideas into the global market.
    6. Another Amsterdam-located accelerator focuses on innovative solutions based on Near Field Communications and Contactless Interactions Technologies. 
    7. Eindhoven’s HighTechXL is the fastest way to accelerate your tech ideas-in-progress.

If you’re interested, check out the application page here

SecondMarket Considering U.S.-Based Bitcoin Exchange

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There has been a flood of negativity shed on bitcoin thanks to the recent Mt. Gox drama. Despite that, SecondMarket, which originally launched as a trading platform for pre-IPO companies, plans to launch the first New York-based Bitcoin exchange.

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This announcement comes after SecondMarket dipped its toes into bitcoin waters last fall with the launch of the Bitcoin Investment Trust (BIT), a private, open-ended trust that is invested exclusively in bitcoin.

To support the new, yet-to-be-named exchange, SecondMarket will contribute approximately $20 million in cash and bitcoin. SecondMarket CEO Barry Silbert will likely serve as CEO for the new exchange, which will be self-regulated.

According to Fortune contributor Dan Primack, who first covered this story picked up by CNN Money,

“The goal would be to reduce Bitcoin price volatility, by using spot pricing once or twice per day (like gold spot pricing) and serving as a clearing company in which member firms would clear all transactions by day’s end. Members also would keep enough cash in Bitcoin to keep the exchange liquid.”

The new exchange is pending approval by SecondMarket’s board, which meets next week.

SecondMarket demonstrated at FinovateStartup 2009. Check out the demo video here.

Finovate Alumni News– February 25, 2014

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  • Netbanker considers why the BBVA Simple Bank deal is extraordinary.
  • American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators selects Authentify for NSTIC Trusted Online Identities Pilot.
  • ThreatMetrix wins Most Innovative Anti-Malware Solution and Best Product Network Access Control Solution at 2014 Cyber Defense Mag Awards.
  • Tyfone unveils Fluide mobile banking platform.
  • PayPal to be the first payment provider on the latest Samsung Gear 2 smartwatches.
  • Lendio marks a year of record growth.
  • Kapitall announces $13 million in funding in round led by Linden Venture.
  • Wallaby launches Google Glass payment app.
  • ShopKeep POS wins global Gold Stevie Award for Sales & Customer Service for 2nd year in a row.
  • MasterCard partners with Syniverse to pilot location-based, anti-fraud service.
  • MoadBus to offer Allied Payment Network’s PicturePay.
  • ACI Worldwide to power online banking for Trustco Bank.
  • Bankers’ Bank to deploy Aptys SolutionsPayLOGICS originating and processing wire service.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Lendio Marks a Year of Record Growth

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Alternative financing has become increasingly mainstream with small business borrowers, as well as traditional and non-traditional lenders.

Lendio, a startup that matches small businesses with interested investors, helped reinforce the popularity of non-traditional lending techniques today by releasing some notable growth figures. Here is an overview:

    • More than doubled its revenue growth from 2012 to 2013
    • Provided approximately $1.15 billion in business loan matches in 2013 to help SMBs finance their endeavors
    • The number of business owners who created a profile on Lendio’s platform grew by 350,000 in 2013
    • Doubled its staff
    • Received $4.5 million in Series B funding
    • Named one of Utah’s Best Places to Work in 2013 by Utah Business Magazine 
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Additionally, last year it released two SaaS products for lenders, Lendio for the Loan Specialist and Lendio for the Team Lead. Both products are aimed to help lenders more efficiently manage their leads.

Lendio demoed at FinovateSpring 2011. You can check out its demo here.

ZenPayroll Brings in $20 Million in Series A Funding from General Catalyst and Kleiner Perkins

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ZenPayroll, a company that makes it easier for small businesses to pay their employees, announced yesterday it has been granted funding.

The San Francisco-based startup brought in $20 million in Series A funding from investors General Catalyst and Kleiner Perkins. The new installment, combined with the more than $6 million it received in December of 2012, brings the company’s total funding to just over $26 million.

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It plans to use the funds to build new features and create add-ons to existing features, such as:

    • Increase payroll automation
    • Help employers build stronger bonds with employees
    • Help employees better understand their finances

This news comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement of ZenPayroll’s participation in FinovateSpring in April. To see its newest development in action, get your ticket here.

Finovate Alumni News– February 21, 2014

  • Finovate-F-Logo.jpgBanking Day reports: SocietyOne to take next step in development next month, when it announces the involvement of a strategic investor.
  • ThreatMetrix announces frictionless, context-based authentication to prevent unauthorized access to enterprise applications.
  • TSYS announces increased investment in Central Payment Joint Venture.
  • Fiserv Premier platform picked by New Jersey-based Sussex Bank.
  • CRIF acquires OFWI, aka, Teledata, from Axon Active Holding AG.
  • ZenPayroll brings in $20 million in Series A funding from General Catalyst and Kleiner Perkins.
This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

FinovateSpring 2014 Presenting Companies Revealed!

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Even though we just returned from a sold-out FinovateEurope, we’ve been busy for weeks preparing for our FinovateSpring conference in San Jose.

We’re finally ready to reveal the companies that will take the stage on April 29 and 30. After weeks of sifting through large stacks of qualified applicants, we’ve managed to refine the selection to the very best in fintech.

Here’s lineup, along with a short description of each company. We’ll reveal more about the specific innovations that each company will debut in our Sneak Peek series in a few weeks:

  • Artivest provides insight and access to exceptional investing.
  • Avoka helps organizations rapidly create, deploy, and manage omni-channel applications to improve customer experience.
  • BodeTree helps banks connect with small businesses to provide the funding, insight, and know-how they need to succeed.
  • ChiaraMail’s innovative email technology, Envelope-Content Splitting, helps eliminate fraud and ensure privacy.
  • Crealogix is a Swiss provider of digital banking services.
  • CUneXus Solutions empowers consumers with perpetual insight into their personal buying power and on-demand access to pre-approved loans.
  • D3 Banking provides data driven, omni-channel banking services across any digital channel, anytime, anywhere on any device.
  • Dealstruck combines crowdlending with traditional finance to provide innovative funding solutions that are fair, transparent, and affordable.
  • defi SOLUTIONS’ online Loan Origination System (LOS), built by auto finance experts, can be quickly deployed and customized online today.
  • Digital Insight’s proven innovations give financial institutions the flexibility to engage more and cross-sell effectively.
  • Digital Retail Apps provides a mobile app shopping platform that allows shoppers to skip the checkout line.
  • Encap Security’s in-app authentication makes everyone smile, improving security, customer experience, revenue, and satisfying regulations. 
  • Endeavour is an exclusive and specialist enterprise-mobility integrator, providing niche mobile consulting, UI/UX, and development services.
  • EyeVerify’s Eyeprint Verification provides a password-free mobile experience.
  • Fiserv is a global provider of information management and electronic commerce systems for financial services.
  • FlexScore built the first ever personal finance score.
  • ID.me offers individuals one secure login for all of their digital ID cards.
  • Insuritas is bringing revolutionary new technology to financial institutions that transforms their revenue models.
  • IntelliResponse is a digital self-service and customer-engagement software company.
  • Interactions provides natural language Virtual Assistant application services for their automated customer-care processes.
  • Jumio is a next generation credentials-management company, offering payments and ID scanning and validation products for mobile and web transactions.
  • Kofax improves the customer experience with dynamic, real-time mobile engagement with its Mobile Capture Platform.
  • Kreditech uses Big Data and complex machine-learning algorithms to enable faster, better and more sustainable credit decisions.
  • LendingRobot helps automate your peer-lending investments.
  • LendingTree, the leading online loan marketplace, provides consumers with competitive home loan, auto loan and credit card offers.
  • LendUp is a next generation lending-technology platform, whose first product is redefining payday as an opportunity to build credit.
  • Loop delivers a simple, organized and effective consumer experience to create a superior commerce experience.
  • Market Prophit quantitatively ranks financial bloggers in social media to identify the mavens in the crowd.
  • Motif Investing’s innovative social platform is revolutionizing thematic investing for both individuals and advisors.
  • MShift is helping financial institutions and merchants save money on mobile payments to better serve their community.
  • NICE Systems provides software solutions that deliver strategic insights from structured and unstructured data in real time.
  • OnBudget combines mobile app, PFM tool, and prepaid MasterCard enabling unprecedented simplicity in managing household spending.
  • Pellucid Analytics fixes pitchbook creation.
  • Personal Capital is an award-winning free software to manage your wealth and people to help grow it.
  • Pixeliris develops high-tech technologies, including contactless communication between smart devices.
  • PrivatBank has created an Android-based contactless ATM.
  • Quisk is the next step in the evolution of money.
  • Radius helps you find your best customers and provides modern marketing solutions for companies targeting local businesses.
  • Realty Mogul is an online marketplace for real estate investments: crowdfunding for real estate.
  • Rippleshot reduces 25+% of fraud losses by uncovering merchant data breaches and stopping card fraud.
  • Roostify is a web and mobile service that accelerates and simplifies the mortgage experience.
  • SaveUp is the gummy vitamin of personal finance that uses rewards and behavioral economics to motivate savers.
  • SmartAsset provides the web’s best answers to your important personal finance questions.
  • Spreedly is a credit-card vault in the cloud that provides all the benefits of tokenization without ever having cards locked into any payment gateway.
  • StrategyCorps provides mobile and online banking solutions so appealing, they generate $75 in annual friendly-fee income per customer.
  • Sureify is life insurance made easy. It helps you learn, compare and evaluate your life insurance needs.
  • Tactile Finance makes mortgage transactions easy to understand, transparent and speedy for both buyers and sellers.
  • TD Ameritrade & LikeFolio create targeted programs and innovations to directly reach next generation investors.
  • TextPower’s TextKey provides ironclad protection on a budget by sending a simple text message.
  • Travelex helps customers to send and spend money around the world.
  • True Link protects seniors against unwanted financial transactions, like donations to sham charities or deceptive telemarketing sales.
  • Venovate is an institutional crowdfunding platform for alternative asset-investing.
  • Verde International’s next generation automated loan-underwriting optimization engine satisfies customers, shareholders, regulators, dealers, and other stakeholders, instantly.
  • Visible Equ
    ity’s
     software allows institutions to analyze the risk and opportunities in their lending data.
  • Vorstack provides early warning and remediation against cyber-threats through its contextual threat sharing, analysis and collaboration platform.
  • WePay is a payment company that completely protects platform businesses from fraud risk/ compliance burdens.
  • Wipit provides integrated mobile payments, financial services and prepaid card convenience to underbanked consumers.
  • Yseop’s artificial intelligence software replicates and scales financial expertise through real-time natural language generation.
  • ZenPayroll provides a modern, cloud-based payroll service that is simple and delightful to use.
  • Zumigo secures transactions, devices and people by leveraging mobile network data.

In addition to the above companies, we’ll reveal the stealth companies closer to the event.

Interested in being a part of the audience? Get your ticket here before February 28 to lock in the very early bird price. See you in San Jose!