The Fintech industry is experiencing a time of growth and innovation that it has never seen before. New technologies are changing the worlds of banking and finance and bring new opportunities to people wanting to make their mark in this area of endeavor. A new program, launched in Montreal seeks to fin the best entrepreneurs in Fintech and AI, globally and give them an opportunity to bring their dreams to life.
With more than 100 years of family investment experience, Holdun is pursuing its legacy by encouraging those building the future. To do so, it has launched the Holt Fintech Accelerator Program. Announced in Montreal and aimed globally, the accelerator program will support the next generation of entrepreneurial talents operating in the fintech industry. This project extends the entrepreneurship legacy of Sir Herbert Holt, Quebec’s energy pioneer, who created one of the largest privately owned utility in the world, now known as Hydro-Québec, as well as his financial industry impact, as he was the longest serving chairman and president of the Royal Bank of Canada.
“Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, it feels very logical to me to honour the entrepreneurial spirit that the family has been cultivating, with a focus on fintech and AI,” says Brendan Holt Dunn (Sir Herbert’s great, great grandson), Founder and Managing Partner for the Holt Fintech Accelerator Program. “We want to give back to the community and, thanks to this program, we’ll definitely be able to make a difference in the future for these startups.”
The Holt Accelerator is currently engaged in a global search for the next 400 rising stars in fintech to take part in the program, and it encourages all interested candidates to submit their applications through the Holt Accelerator website by July 29th for a chance to participate. With only 10 spots in the program, the company offers participants a unique opportunity to benefit from hands-on help through committed partners, trainings, world- class mentors, immersion in the fintech environment, board meetings and financial investments. The Holt Accelerator Program is also the only accelerator offering one of Canada’s largest applied AI solution providers, Stradigi AI, an undeniable resource for all fintechs wishing to get ahead. Future sustainability is also central to the program, whose leaders think about and provide solutions for sponsorships, funds and business models. Everything is thought through to get the best out of the program and unleash the selected startups’ full potential.
For the launch of this project, Holdun couldn’t think of a better city than Montreal. Home to the second largest talent pool in North America, with more than 170,000 students, Montreal was named first “American City of the Future” in 2013-2014. A world-class leader in AI and blockchain, Montreal holds everything that’s needed for the future of society, and offers great perspectives for the expansion of the fintech industry.
The Accelerator is also pleased to announce the arrival of Jan Christopher Arp as co-Managing partner. With over a decade of experience, Jan was most recently supporting or forming over 100 fintech startups through the non-profit he founded, FormFintech. He also has an MBA from HEC and a finance degree from the University of Ottawa, and has completed two levels of CFA.
“We’re really pleased to welcome an experienced player such as Jan to the Accelerator Program,” notes Brendan Holt Dunn. “With a deep understanding of the fintech industry, he sure is a key player in stepping up the game for fintech startups and unlocking their full potential.”
