In the second iteration of its Denver-based accelerator, Techstars and Western Union announced the 10 fintech startups in its newest cohort.
From machine learning and AI, to cloud services, digital banking and advanced analytics, the startups in this portfolio are all committed to leveraging technology and innovation to create greater access to global and local economies, through inclusive finance.
“Each of these companies is tackling systemic industry obstacles with innovative and original solutions using leading edge technologies," Ethan Austin, managing director of the Techstars Western Union Accelerator, said in a statement. "We are excited to support their continued growth over the next 13 weeks of our program and beyond.”
The 2020 Techstars Western Union Accelerator will culminate with a Demo Day on Oct. 8, where founders will pitch their products and services to potential investors. This year, the program has shifted from a Denver-based in-person program to a virtual one due to the impact of Covid-19.
This is the second year of the three year program, with 10 startups accepted into each year’s class. Western Union and Techstars will invest a total of $120,000 into each startup accepted into the program.
Like all Techstars programs, the accelerator will run for 90 days and culminate with a demo day in September. Techstars receives 6 percent common stock from each company accepted to the program.
Here’s a look at the startups in Techstars Western Union’s new class, with descriptions provided by Techstars:
AidBanc - Little Rock, AR
AidBanc empowers NGOs with digital banking and spend management tools to seamlessly disburse aid in an increasingly cashless world.
Plentina - San Francisco, CA
Cloud services provide alternative credit scoring and lending for global financial inclusion.
Gig Wage - Dallas, TX
Gig Wage is a payments platform specializing in independent contractors. Their technology makes it simple, fast and easy to pay, manage, and support contractors.
Rise Capital - Lagos, Nigeria
A technology-driven finance company connecting everyday Africans with the best dollar-denominated investment opportunities around the world.
Heights Labs - New York, NY
AI and network analytics platform for risk, fraud, compliance, and AML/CFT to mitigate risks and threats across the compliance, intelligence, and national security landscape.
Robbie AI - Boston, MA
Facial recognition technology through real-time streaming in natural settings.
Line - San Francisco, CA
AI-powered technology helps qualified and banked individuals establish credit and access to affordable financial services.
Vested Finance - Berkeley, CA
Investment advisory platform promoting sustainable wealth creation by empowering local Indian investors to go global.
Logicluster - San Francisco, CA
An Artificial Intelligence powered pricing engine to enable businesses to grow revenue through optimized pricing.
Yunit - Oakland, CA
Allows users to save money with their friends.
