Workup a fintech sweat with Isbank’s start-up programme
Isbank launches fintech start-up programme in Turkey
Turkey’s largest private bank, Isbank, has unveiled its entrepreneurship programme for fintech start-ups in the country.
Since forming an innovation team within its Digital Banking Unit, the bank says it has become “much closer” to tech entrepreneurs in the republic. The innovation team is working remotely at Kolektif House Levent (a co-working space for Turkish start-ups in Istanbul) since mid-October. According to Isbank, this team has become the bridge between the start-ups and the bank.
Now Isbank wants to get even closer and its programme, called Workup, will have six-month long batches and the first month will be a trial period where both the entrepreneurs and the programme owners can decide whether it is a good fit for both parties.
During the programme, start-ups will get mentorship, education and consultancy, access to Isbank and its partner network; and an introduction to VCs and angel investors.
Isbank says it is not asking for equity from firms who wish to be part of the programme – it is “totally free” for start-ups to join. It is not limited to fintech firms only, as any tech entrepreneur from Turkey can join.
It received 500 applications and close to 40 start-ups passed the first evaluation phase. After meetings and assessments, the first wave of ten start-ups to be accepted are:
- Mangr: P2P money transfer app targeting millennials.
- Boostfy: Automation tool for Instagram users.
- E-kira: Platform enabling rent payments via credit card instalments.
- Banamama: Platform for pet owners with subscription based food delivery.
- MobilyaTakip: Customer management tool for furniture shops.
- Octovan: Marketplace for movers.
- Leadtime: Social platform enabling users to send videos to the future.
- Overstruct: Virtual reality (VR) automation tool for architects and constructors.
- Rone: Visitor analytics tool for news and content sites.
- Stubridge: Social platform for university students.
You can apply for Workup here.
