The Global Startup Programme of the Italian Trade Agency shone the spotlight on some of Italy’s FinTech innovators in Singapore.
Italy and Singapore announced their partnership in establishing a new global FinTech hub at the Global Startup Programme Demo Day, a dynamic event held at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
Against the backdrop of the Amerigo Vespucci, the historic sailing ship emblem of the Italian Navy making its World Tour stop in Singapore, at the Villaggio Italia Exhibition, the Italian Trade Agency unveiled Italy’s next generation of FinTech innovators, which are six chosen startups representing Payments, Management Platforms, Financial Applications, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and Digital Assets.
The initiative that is part of a broader strategy implemented by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, to propel Italian startups into international markets.
The Demo Day begins with opening remarks from Mr. Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, followed by a series of pitches from the six chosen FinTech startups showcasing their innovative products and services. Closing the event, CDP Venture Capital and Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy introduced the audience to a broad overview of the Italian innovation ecosystem.
Organised in collaboration with Singaporean pre-seed investor Tenity Singapore, the event drew a wide range of stakeholders, including venture capitalists, banking professionals, and industry leaders, who had the opportunity to connect directly with six innovative Italian FinTech startups. Each startup delivered presentations highlighting solutions that push the boundaries of Payments, SaaS, Digital Assets, and more.
These six startups include:
- Appeaty: An app that simplifies the managing and accounting requirements of both restaurants and customers
- Finanz: The ‘Duolingo of money’, the first financial AI-driven app that helps users learn, save, and invest all in one single platform
- Hercle Srl: A digital assets market maker and broker dealer which allows seamless, efficient and compliant access to digital assets liquidity
- Startgram: Simplifies and automates investment rounds, cap tables, and incentive plans for startups, freeing entrepreneurs from administrative tasks to focus on business growth
- Twiper Srl: A tool that allows users to customise Generative Artificial Intelligence systems to develop value-adding digital assistants
- Volvero: A vehicle sharing app that harnesses blockchain to support the seamless leasing of privately-owned cars. The app ensures security, transparency, and efficiency, with built-in insurance coverage and smart contracts.
“A strong partnership between Italy and Singapore is pivotal for putting our FinTech startups on the global map,” said Giorgio Calveri, the Director of Italian Trade Agency Singapore. “We are immensely proud of the talent and innovation coming out of Italy, and today’s event offers a glimpse of how these startups are not just future players but leaders in the world of financial technology. The Global Startup Programme has already brought to Singapore 22 startups and some of them have already signed important business agreements”.
The six chosen FinTech startups will be provided with masterclasses on fundraising and the FinTech landscape in Asia, tailored mentorship and coaching from Tenity, 1-to-1 pitching sessions with accredited investors, meetings with potential investors and corporations, attendance at industry networking events, and meetings with key influencers such Bank Julius Baer and Aspire.
Ambassador of Italy to Singapore Dante Brandi highlighted the strategic value of the partnership: “With exports from Italy to ASEAN totalling €9.6 billion in 2023, the collaboration between our countries is reaching new heights. Singapore, as a leading innovation hub, offers an ideal gateway for Italian startups to grow and thrive in a competitive global market.
“We believe that the fintech sector, this year’s programme’s focus, is rich with opportunities for our companies in this market. In 2023 an MoU was signed between the Singapore Fintech Association and the Italian Association of Fintech & Insurtech (AssoFintech) to further drive FinTech innovation and our Global Startup Programme continues to reaffirm this commitment. Singapore is ASEAN’s economic hub and provides an environment that is attractive to Italian businesses looking to strategically expand into new markets.
