Barclays to Sunset Rise Programme by Mid-2025: What It Means for Entrepreneurs

Barclays to Sunset Rise Programme by Mid-2025: What It Means for Entrepreneurs

Barclays has recently announced the decision to wind down its Rise programme, a prominent FinTech accelerator that has been instrumental for global FinTech start-ups since its inception in 2015. This initiative aimed to foster innovation and growth in the FinTech sector, but with evolving market dynamics, Barclays has determined that the time has come to phase it out by mid-2025.

The Rise Programme: A Legacy in FinTech Acceleration

Since its launch, the Rise programme has supported more than 120 graduates, including well-known companies like ApTap, WealthOS, and iWarranty. The accelerator offered a range of resources, including:

  • Mentorship from industry experts
  • Access to valuable networking opportunities
  • Physical locations in London and New York, as well as a virtual community in India

Transitioning Support for Members

As part of the shutdown process, Barclays plans to facilitate a smooth transition for Rise’s London members by offering them the opportunity to transfer their memberships to Barclays Eagle Labs and Barclays Business Banking. These divisions will take over the management of the London site.

The Evolution of the FinTech Landscape

A spokesperson from Barclays highlighted the changing landscape of the FinTech sector, stating that the industry has matured significantly since Rise was launched. Initially, the FinTech space was dominated by niche start-ups that aimed to disrupt traditional financial services. Today, however, FinTech companies have become integral to the global financial ecosystem.

The spokesperson noted, “When Barclays established Rise a decade ago, fintechs were predominantly niche start-ups disrupting the financial services industry. Fast-forward to today, the fintech community is a core part of the financial ecosystem and there is a wealth of opportunity to partner and collaborate.”

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Commitment to the FinTech Ecosystem

Despite the wind-down of the Rise programme, Barclays remains committed to the global FinTech ecosystem. The bank will continue to play a vital role in:

  • Scouting innovative FinTech companies
  • Partnering with emerging businesses
  • Investing in transformative technologies

For further insights into Barclays’ ongoing initiatives in the FinTech space, visit their official website here.

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