Catapult:
Inclusion South-East Asia
1st Edition | 2024 | Bangkok
April 22nd to April 26th, 2024 for the first week – in Thailand
June 24th to June 28th, 2024 for the second week – in Luxembourg
The LHoFT —
Luxembourg
House of Financial
Technology
Applications CLOSE
Empowering Financial Inclusion in South-East Asia
Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program is a dynamic two-week bootcamp crafted by the LHoFT, dedicated to nurturing early-stage South-East Asian Fintechs.
This program is sponsored by Luxembourg’s Directorate of Development Aid and Humanitarian Affairs, with robust support from esteemed partners in the financial services and microfinance sectors.
Based on our incredibly successful Catapult: Inclusion Africa bootcamps, the 1st edition of Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program will accommodate up to 20 Fintech firms for the first week of the program in Thailand.
Ten of these Fintechs firms will be selected for another week in Luxembourg. The LHoFT covers the travel and accommodation expenses associated with participating in the program, ensuring a focus on innovation and learning.
This program is sponsored by Luxembourg’s Directorate of Development Aid and Humanitarian Affairs, with robust support from esteemed partners in the financial services and microfinance sectors.
Based on our incredibly successful Catapult: Inclusion Africa bootcamps, the 1st edition of Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia program will accommodate up to 20 Fintech firms for the first week of the program in Thailand.
Ten of these Fintechs firms will be selected for another week in Luxembourg. The LHoFT covers the travel and accommodation expenses associated with participating in the program, ensuring a focus on innovation and learning.
Why
Luxembourg?
- Luxembourg is the European leader in responsible investment fund assets, accounting for 31% of funds and 39% of all assets under management, and has an extensive ecosystem of supporting initiatives and institutions.
- The Luxembourg government is committed to the eradication of extreme poverty and support for sustainable development.
- Luxembourg has exceeded official development assistance aid donations set by the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, committing an average 1% of gross national income over the past 5 years.
- Luxembourg facilitated the establishment of the European Microfinance Platform and has spearheaded field research in the inclusive finance sector.
- The Luxembourg government, together with the European Investment Bank and six other partners from the civil and private sectors, set up a Responsible Investing fund labelling agency, LuxFLAG
- Fintech in financial inclusion is a strategic focus area for the LHoFT aligned with the goals of Luxembourg.
- The 2022 European Microfinance Award on “Financial Inclusion that Works for Women” has been delivered on the 17th November 2022 in Luxembourg.
Why Financial Inclusion in South-East Asia?
Fostering a Landscape of Opportunity and Access
At the LHoFT Foundation, we harbor a profound belief in the transformative power of financial technology as a catalyst for advancing financial inclusion. It’s about empowering the marginalized, those overshadowed by the conventional financial frameworks, and fostering an environment where opportunities flourish universally. Whether it’s providing financing for rural farmers, offering point-of-sale technology for underbanked merchants, or developing specialized insurance products, entrepreneurial efforts are making a positive impact and improving lives worldwide.
Innovation with Impact
In the diverse landscape of South-East Asia, the quest for accessible financial services is a prevailing challenge. Our mission, in collaboration with the Directorate of Development and Humanitarian Affairs, is to champion fintech firms poised to make a significant impact on enhancing financial inclusivity within the region.
Luxembourg: A Beacon of Responsible Investment
Luxembourg stands as the leader in responsible investment fund assets in Europe, with 31% of funds and 39% of all assets under management (AuM). Luxembourg is home to a vibrant ecosystem enriched with initiatives and institutions dedicated to fostering sustainable development. With a government steadfast in its commitment to eradicating extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development, Luxembourg emerges as a nexus where innovation converges with impact, nurturing fintech solutions that resonate with purpose and promise.
Program
10 days, in person, in Thailand & Luxembourg
April 22nd to April 26th, 2024 for the first week – in Thailand
June 24th to June 28th, 2024 for the second week – in Luxembourg
What?
A 5-day intensive training and networking bootcamp delivered in English and fully funded by the Luxembourg Government. It is structured around 3 pillars: Impact, Scaling & Funding.
When?
The 7th edition of Catapult: Inclusion Africa commences on Monday, November 11th until November 15th 2024 in Luxembourg. The 10 selected Fintechs will participate and engage in the European Microfinance Week, a significant event in the Financial Inclusion sector and a unique meeting point for microfinance and financial inclusion professionals working worldwide.
Who?
10 selected Fintech companies operating in any country across the African continent, regardless of their headquarters. Applicants must be engaged in the field of financial inclusion, working to provide underserved and unbanked populations with access to financial products and services.
How?
Delivered in collaboration with key stakeholders from the microfinance, sustainable finance and traditional finance sectors, the bootcamp encompasses classroom tutorials, customer discovery sessions, challenges, pitching sessions, mentoring engagements and networking events, including the European Microfinance Week.
Why?
To connect financial inclusion Fintechs from Africa with key stakeholders—such as Microfinance Institutions, investors, and industry experts—and to help these firms to become more efficient and effective in reaching and serving underserved market segments with sustained impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Selected firms will have, at least, a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (“MVP”) and will likely be in the pre-seed to seed stage of funding.
Companies must be active in the financial inclusion field, helping underserved and unbanked populations in Africa get access to financial products and services.
Companies will submit all necessary information to the LHoFT in order to assess the viability of the project, company, background of owners and key shareholders to limit the risks of non-compliance or doubtful application to the programme.
The selected firm must guarantee that a founding team member, typically the CEO, will attend the programme for the duration of the week.
Companies must agree and shall provide on-going performance metrics and business status for a period of three years post programme completion to the LHoFT for the purposes of programme evaluation.
We are particularly interested in hearing from firms in payments and related services.
Participants must be fluent in French (as the programme will be run in French).
Covered Costs
LHoFT will reimburse reasonable travel costs to reach Bangkok in Thailand, using Economy Class Airline Carrier, up to 2000€ (VAT included) for one person/company (or equivalent). One additional person/company can attend the bootcamp but at their own costs.
If selected for the second week, LHoFT will reimburse reasonable travel costs to reach Luxembourg using Economy Class Airline Carrier, up to 2000€ (VAT included) for one person/company (or equivalent). One additional person/company can also attend the bootcamp but at their own costs.
The selected participants will be hosted in the hotels selected by the LHoFT, located in Bangkok in Thailand for one week and in Luxembourg for those selected for the second week breakfast and lunches will be provided.
Applications CLOSE
More infos about the program?
Participants, Sponsors, Mentors & Guests:
If you have any questions or would like to send us a comment, contact our Head of Acceleration Programs
Sponsors & Strategic Partners
Program Partners
Strategic Partners
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