Platform Calgary, in partnership with Digital Commerce Bank (DCBank), has opened applications for the Calgary Fintech Awards.
DCBank is leading the award as title sponsor with a financial commitment of $1 million over four years.
The Calgary Fintech Awards is a six-week program for FinTech startups based in Calgary to receive FinTech-specific workshops and advisory from industry experts. Among the 25 startups that will be selected, 10 will be able to receive pitch coaching and take part in a series of in-person events and the final awards ceremony in Calgary.
The top five companies will have the opportunity to pitch live at the awards ceremony to win up to $250,000 in cash prize.
To be eligible for the award, applicants must be a private corporation, in seed stage, have a minimum viable product with market traction, revenue, and be located in Calgary (or presents an opportunity with a strong value proposition for the region).
Since it took over the operations of Startup Calgary from Calgary Economic Development, Platform Calgary has introduced a number of initiatives meant to drive innovation in Calgary and Alberta alike.
In January, Platform Calgary and Innovate Edmonton announced the launch of pre-accelerator Alberta Catalyzer, which welcomed its first cohort of 35 startups. Platform Calgary also partnered with the Government of Alberta in December to host a hackathon with a cash prize of $5,000.
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Platform Calgary launches the Calgary Fintech Awards as the city continues to see its FinTech sector grow. Neo Financial is one company that’s been part of that growth, recently securing a $185 million CAD Series C round, leading the company to reach unicorn status.
Earlier this year, Neo Financial announced that it was expanding its footprint in downtown Calgary, leasing over 100,000 square foot of total office space between the Edison office tower and the Hudson’s Bay building.
OneVest, which is split between Calgary and Toronto, secured $5 million last month to bolster its platform that makes it easier for banks and FinTech startups to roll out wealth management services.
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Calgary’s other FinTech players include Reach, which raised $30 million CAD in equity and debt in March; as well as Helcim, which raised $16 million in Series A funding.
Featured image by Austin Distel via Unsplash.