ABN AMRO and Techstars, the global platform for investment and innovation, have agreed to a three-year partnership to accelerate innovation. The collaboration is aimed at identifying and supporting innovative startups that transform financial services for businesses and consumers.

The partnership will connect ABN AMRO with a worldwide network of startup entrepreneurs. Working closely with such pioneering early-stage companies, ABN AMRO intends to accelerate digitalisation and innovation and thereby deliver on its strategy. The world-famous Techstars accelerator programme will be the backbone of this journey, attracting and supporting promising companies that are revolutionising the financial industry.

In line with our purpose, Banking for better, for generations to come, the programme will be an investment in the startup and innovation community, looking to support startups that are shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for our clients and society.

Edwin van Bommel, Chief Innovation Officer at ABN AMRO: 'Working with startups is crucial for ABN AMRO's innovation journey. Our aim is to be at the forefront of new technology in relevant ecosystems related to financial services, helping startups to become leaders in their field while building out our own leading position in innovation as well. We believe combining pioneering products and services developed by startups with the expertise and scale of ABN AMRO will accelerate both of our dreams and ambitions.'

Keith Camhi, senior vice president of accelerators at Techstars: 'Financial services and technologies underpin so much of what we do in business, life and socializing today. Partnering with an innovative and engaged company like ABN AMRO will allow us to continue to tap the immense sector expertise we have in our global network and help entrepreneurs bring to market solutions that will enhance lives, improve how businesses operate and help secure a more sustainable world for people everywhere.'

The first year of the ABN AMRO & Techstars Accelerator will kick off in Amsterdam in early 2021. The focus will be on accelerating startups that the bank can engage with to push forward its innovation agenda, execute its refreshed strategy, and meet the goals set for its purpose. Applications will officially be open from 14 September 2020.

Timeline for the ABN AMRO & Techstars Accelerator

• 14 September 2020 - Applications Open
• January 2021 - 10 companies selected
• March 2021 - Start ABN AMRO & Techstars Accelerator
• June 2021 - Demo Day

About Techstars

Techstars is the global platform for investment and innovation. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas-entrepreneurs create the future, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Today our mission is to make innovation accessible to everyone, everywhere. We do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to create a more sustainable and inclusive world. Since 2006, Techstars has invested in more than 2,200 companies and today has a market cap of $27 billion.
www.techstars.com

Attachments

  • Original document
  • Permalink

Disclaimer

ABN Amro Bank NV published this content on 27 August 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 27 August 2020 06:16:06 UTC