Launched in March of 2024, by the LHoFT in collaboration with ALFI and MiddleGame Ventures, the Catapult FundTech 360° program targets innovative solutions for the fund industry. The program is designed to address the needs of the financial sector and is crucial to Luxembourg’s economic strength, as the largest fund center in Europe and a global leader in this domain.
For fintech companies that have secured seed or series A stage funding, the new programme by the LHoFT aims to boost the creation of fintech innovations and solutions that provide benefits to the fundtech industry while opening new growth opportunities for its key stakeholders.
Connecting ecosystem players
By leveraging Luxembourg’s interconnected fund industry, the program offers fintech participants opportunities to establish valuable partnerships, leading to proof of concept projects. “These potential partnerships are obviously the end objective for the Fintechs participating in this comprehensive and impactful program,” said Annabelle Albert, head of acceleration programs at LHoFT. The program provides essential guidance on business building, risk management, and investment opportunities, helping fintech firms develop their business models and adapt to customer needs, all aimed at propelling the growth and success of emerging technology companies.
“Catapult Fundtech 360 was designed to meet the specific requirements of the fund industry in Luxembourg. Our goal is to help companies and asset managers stay at the top of their game by leveraging new technologies and innovative solutions,” said Albert, who has led the program’s mission and impact.
The program’s unique approach involved an extensive market research phase conducted in collaboration with the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI). This research, which spanned three months, identified the pressing needs and challenges within the fund sector. Based on these findings, the program selected and nurtured fintech startups that could offer solutions to these challenges.
“The ambition of the FundTech program is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge Fintech innovations and the needs of the fund industry.”
Annabelle Albert, head of acceleration programs at LHoFT
Connecting companies with industry
The inaugural edition of Catapult Fundtech 360 was a notable success. From nearly 70 applications, seven fintech startups were carefully selected to participate. Two of those seven fintechs chosen during the first edition of the program, “Fundvis and FundXP,” are Luxembourgish fintechs hosted at the LHoFT. “Our role is to connect these companies with the industry, providing them with the necessary support and guidance to adapt their solutions to market needs,” said Albert.
The startups engaged in interactive sessions covering various aspects of the sector, receiving expert insights, and gaining direct access to industry prospects. This intensive, short-term format ensured that participants could quickly refine their solutions and position themselves effectively in the market.
The first edition’s success displays the program’s effectiveness. Participating startups reported significant progress in developing their solutions and forming crucial industry connections. This positive outcome has set a solid foundation for future editions, aiming to continually enhance the fund industry’s capacity to integrate across industries and borders.
Long-term vision
The long-term goals of Catapult Fundtech 360 are ambitious, yet clear. The program seeks to boost continuous innovation within the fund industry. By regularly updating its curriculum based on current market research, the program can adapt to emerging trends and challenges, providing startups with relevant and actionable insights. “Our aim is to create sustainable, positive change,” said Albert.
The Catapult Fundtech 360 program focuses on Fintech firms specialized in the fund industry highlighting a strategic specialization within fintech. “The ambition of the FundTech program is to bridge the gap between cutting-edge Fintech innovations and the needs of the fund industry,” said Albert.
There is an importance of making a long-term impact through these programs “Our goal is to foster the development of fintech solutions that provide substantial value to stakeholders in the fund industry, while also presenting promising growth opportunities for emerging technology companies,” said Albert. The success of these initiatives demonstrates LHoFT’s commitment to enhancing digital transformation and innovation in the financial sector, ensuring that Luxembourg remains a global leader in the field.
This article was first published in the Silicon Luxembourg magazine. Read the full digital version of the magazine on our website, here. You can also choose to receive a hard copy at the office or at home. Subscribe now.
