Catapult:
Inclusion South-East Asia
2nd Edition | 2025 | MANILA
In partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
MANILA: APRIL 07 – 11, 2025
LUXEMBOURG: JUNE 16-20, 2025
The LHoFT —
Luxembourg
House of Financial
Technology
Applications OPEN
Deadline: 23rd February 2025
Why Join?
This two-week acceleration program is built around three core pillars—Impact, Scaling, and Funding—providing a customized experience designed to:
- Enhance your skills and strategic capabilities.
- Foster innovation to drive your business forward.
- Deepen your knowledge and refine your approach to navigating regulatory frameworks.
- Build connections with leaders in financial services, inclusive finance, and key market players.
The program brings together fintechs dedicated to advancing financial inclusion in Southeast Asia through a carefully tailored bootcamp, empowering them to amplify their impact on local communities.
Don’t miss this transformative opportunity! Apply today to secure your place in the program. With all costs covered and logistics expertly managed, all that’s needed is your passion and commitment to making a difference.
The Program
The 2nd edition of Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia will take place in collaboration with our main partner, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), during their prestigious 5th Asia Finance Forum in Manila next April. This event offers a unique chance to connect with the most influential figures in the Inclusive Finance ecosystem—not just regionally, but globally.
Ready to Elevate Your Fintech in this exclusive context? Seize this exceptional opportunity to:
- Fast-track your mission to create meaningful impact.
- Accelerate your growth trajectory and achieve new milestones.
- Expand your network across Southeast Asia and Europe.
Building on the success of its first edition—which empowered 15 Southeast Asian fintechs to scale, innovate, and drive meaningful change—Catapult: Inclusion SE Asia has become a must-attend event for startups looking to make a difference and achieve significant growth.
“Catapult South East Asia: a must on the calendar
of any startup looking to scale and make a significant impact,”
says Farmvocacy from the Philippines, one of the standout Fintechs awarded in the inaugural cohort in 2024
Key Pillars
The program offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with leaders, investors, and founders in Luxembourg’s Financial Inclusion landscape, gaining invaluable insights and knowledge. The program concludes with participants pitching to a panel of industry experts.
IMPACT
Focusing on creating positive social and economic impact in Southeast Asia through financial inclusion.
SCALING
Gaining insights into effective strategies for expanding their businesses, including partnership building, customer acquisition, and operational optimisation.
FUNDING
Learning about funding strategies and financial management to secure resources, launch innovative solutions, and drive financial inclusion in Southeast Asia.
Why Financial Inclusion in South-East Asia?
Fostering a Landscape of Opportunity and Access
At the LHoFT Foundation, we believe deeply in financial technology’s power to drive financial inclusion. It’s about empowering those overlooked by traditional finance and creating universal opportunities. From financing rural farmers to providing POS technology for underbanked merchants and creating specialized insurance products, Fintech innovations are improving lives globally.
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 leads Europe in responsible investment, holding 31% of funds and 39% of assets under management. With a thriving ecosystem dedicated to sustainable development and a government committed to eradicating extreme poverty, Luxembourg serves as a hub where innovation meets impact, supporting purpose-driven Fintech solutions.
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 fully funded, 2-weeks training and networking bootcamp delivered in English, focused on Impact, Scaling, and Funding for Southeast Asian Fintech companies.
When?
Edition #2 will take place from April 7th to 11th in Manila, Philippines and from June 16th to 20th in Luxembourg.
Who?
15 selected Southeast Asia Fintech companies operating in Southeast Asia, regardless of their headquarters.
How?
The bootcamp is delivered in collaboration with an exclusive partnership with ADB and key stakeholders from Luxembourg’s financial ecosystem and features masterclasses, customer discovery sessions, challenges, pitch sessions, mentoring engagements, and networking events.
Why?
To connect Southeast Asian Fintechs with key stakeholders—including microfinance institutions, investors, and industry experts—enabling them to enhance efficiency, drive lasting impact, and scale effectively.
Eligibility Criteria
Selected firms will have, at least, a demonstrable Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and will likely be in the pre-seed to series B stage of funding.
Companies must be active in the financial inclusion field, helping underserved and unbanked populations in South East Asia 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 program for the duration of the two weeks if selected to go on to the second week in Luxembourg.
Companies must agree and shall provide on-going performance metrics and business status for a period of three years post program completion to the LHoFT for the purposes of program evaluation.
Covered Costs
Ist week in Manila, Philippines
LHoFT will reimburse the 15 selected participants with reasonable travel costs to reach Manila, Philippines, using Economy Class Airline Carrier, up to 2000€ (VAT included) for one person per company.
The participants will be hosted in the hotel selected by the LHoFT, located in Manila, for the one-week duration of the program in Southeast Asia.
Breakfast and lunches will be provided.
2nd week in Luxembourg, Luxembourg
LHoFT will reimburse the 10 selected participants with reasonable travel costs to reach Luxembourg, using Economy Class Airline Carrier, up to 2000€ (VAT included) for one person per company.
The participants will be hosted in the hotel selected by the LHoFT, located in Luxembourg, for the one-week duration of the program in Europe.The participants will be hosted in the hotel selected by the LHoFT, located in Luxembourg, for the one-week duration of the program in Europe.
Breakfast and lunches will be provided.
Please note that one additional person per company can attend the bootcamp but at their own costs.
Applications OPEN
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