Fresh off its debut at FinovateAsia 2016, Asian robo-advisor Bambu has earned a spot as one of eight startups in SuperCharger FinTech Accelerator 2.0 in Hong Kong. The program, sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank and Fidelity International, lasts 12 weeks and provides participants with working space in Cyberport’s new 4,000-square-foot Smart-Space FinTech Centre.
Quoted in Crowdfund Insider, SuperCharger founder Janos Barberis praised the quality of the eight startups entering the program and said they’re a testament to SuperCharger’s role as one of Hong Kong’s leading accelerators. “[It] reflects the role our accelerator plays for the sourcing of products, solutions, and talent in the financial services industry in this region,” he said.
Joining Bambu in January are:
- Clare.ai (AI/chatbots)
- Entersoft (cybersecurity)
- FinChat (regtech)
- Foris (payments)
- KYC-Chain (regtech)
- Squirro (big data/data visualization)
- Xnotes Alliance (blockchain)
The eight finalists were chosen from a pool of nearly 200 applicants from more than 30 countries, an increase of 24% over the previous year. The founders will benefit from a “curriculum structured around bespoke content” including market entry, regulatory obligations, and opportunities to make joint ventures. The accelerator also provides companies with access to a network of more than 90 “partners and mentors” drawn from companies with significant experience in the Asian fintech market.
Founded in February 2016 and headquartered in Singapore, Bambu made its Finovate debut this month at FinovateAsia in Hong Kong, demoing its robo and intelligent digital advisory platform. The company has raised $400,000 in seed funding, and includes Tigerspike among its investors. Bambu added Aki Ranin as chief operating officer in October. Ned Phillips is founder and CEO.