MassChallenge FinTech December 17, 2018 (BOSTON) – MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, today announced the 21 startups that will join the 2019 MassChallenge FinTech inaugural program. “Our inaugural cohort represents trailblazing technologies that advance financial services, from AI-powered onboarding platforms to modern giving solutions,” said Devon Sherman, Program Director of MassChallenge FinTech. “We look forward to structuring and driving meaningful, outcome-driven partnerships between startups and enterprises that tackle some of the industry’s biggest pain points and opportunities.” MassChallenge FinTech is supported by a public-private partnership that includes founding partners Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Putnam Investments, Fidelity Investments, Citizens Bank, John Hancock, and the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership (MACP), challenge partners Eastern Bank, AARP, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Walmart, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and community partners FinTech Sandbox, Wells Fargo Startup Accelerator, and Brandeis International Business School. MassChallenge FinTech’s diverse group of partners in asset management, insurance, retail and commercial banking, e-commerce, and transportation reflects the program’s vision to drive the future of financial services. Startups in this year’s cohort will work with these partners to solve challenges around important areas such as AI-powered research assistance, big data for small businesses, and student finances. From January to June, startups will work 1:1 with one or more partners to tackle these challenges. Additionally, startups will leverage MassChallenge FinTech and FinTech Sandbox’s tailored enterprise-readiness program, as well as FinTech Sandbox’s data and resources. At the end of the program, MassChallenge FinTech will award a total of $250,000 in cash prizes, all at zero cost and for zero equity. “To us, innovation means looking for new tools, new technologies and new ways of working that can enhance the businesses we’re already in or give us insights into creating new opportunities,” said Steve Dorval, Head of Innovation and Advice at MassChallenge FinTech partner John Hancock. “Connecting with the startup community through MassChallenge FinTech is an opportunity for us to engage with intelligent, passionate people that are solving important problems. We will see how these ideas complement or compete with what we do, and take away key learnings and share our experience and expertise. We’re looking to partner with startups and grow the Boston Fintech ecosystem to help create and enhance services for the participants, advisors and customers today and in the future. We can’t wait to get started.” Check out the full list of companies selected for the 2019 MASSCHALLENGE FINTECH INAUGURAL COHORT. About MassChallenge: MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 1,500 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $3 billion in funding, generated more than $2 billion in revenue, and created more than 80,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org. MassChallenge FinTech Founding Partners: Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), Putnam Investments, Fidelity Investments, John Hancock, Citizens Bank, and the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership. MassChallenge FinTech Founding Advisors: Mike Fanning, MassMutual; Sumedh Mehta, Putnam Investments; Amy Danforth, Fidelity Investments; Steven Dorval, John Hancock; Christopher Musto, Citizens Bank; Bryan Jamele, the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership; Sarah Biller, FinTech Sandbox. Originally published by MassChallenge at https://masschallenge.org/MassChallenge-FinTech-Announces-2019-Inaugural-Cohort-Top-Startups