Technology
Three North East businesses join Tech Nation’s fintech growth programme
September 9, 2019
A UK network for ambitious tech entrepreneurs has revealed that three North East businesses have been accepted on to its 2019 fintech growth programme.
Tech Nation is delivering the programme in line with the Government’s Fintech Sector Strategy, which aims to maintain the UK’s place as a world leader in the sector.
The six-month programme helps small companies specialising in fintech accelerate their growth. It is designed to create opportunities for those selected through a series of insight sessions, networking events and a showcase trip to the US.
Successful companies from across the UK were chosen by an expert panel including Eileen Burbridge of Passion Capital, Anne Boden of Starling Bank and Richard Theo of Wealthify.
According to the Tech Nation report 2019, the UK is still number one in the world for scaleup and investment into fintech firms, generating £4.5 billion in funding since 2015.
Fintech companies are also creating jobs, with over 11,800 people employed in UK fintech companies in 2018.
The North East businesses selected for this year’s programme were Paid, honcho and Kani Payments.
Jamie Hardesty, North East entrepreneur engagement manager, Tech Nation, said: “It’s a great pleasure to see Paid, honcho and Kani Payments announced as part of this exciting cohort.
“While the North East is blessed with many service providers operating in the field, far fewer product-based innovators, which are creating and developing their own innovative technologies, exist. However, it is tech startups such as these which have the ability and potential to truly transform the economic prosperity of our region.
“We hope that by being a part of this exclusive programme, the three North East firms not only survive but thrive, as they look to scale in the future.”
Gavin Sewell, CEO at honcho added: “I’m really excited to meet other fintech founders at a similar stage in their journey, to share experiences, bounce ideas and form lasting relationships and partnerships.”