The FinTech Five – 23rd June 2023 

Welcome to the FinTech Five, where we take a fortnightly look at the best articles, news, insights and features from our FinTech Wales members.     

1. EverKnock and Driverly take home awards at the StartUp Awards Wales 2023

First this week, we’re delighted to celebrate two of our members who took home awards at the StartUp Awards Wales 2023, at a ceremony held in Cardiff on 22 June 2023.

EverKnock has been named Consumer Services StartUp of the Year, whilst Driverly, took home the award for FinTech StartUp of the Year.  

The awards, which are part of the StartUp Awards National Series, 

recognise the achievements of amazing individuals around the UK who have had a great idea, spotted an opportunity and taken risks to launch a new product or service.

Click here for more on 2023’s StartUp Awards Wales. 

2. FinTech Innovator MYPINPAD Secures $13M Investment 

Next this week, a Cardiff-based innovator in mobile card payments acceptance and identity authentication software services has revealed a substantial investment round of $13m (c.£10.2m) led by Crossfin Holdings.

MYPINPADis a B2B software-as-a-service (SaaS) business with customers and employees in more than 20 countries.

The investment will help expansion and support MYPINPAD’s goal of building out its global payments and authentication SaaS offerings.

Bary Levett, chief executive of Mypinpad, said: 

“We are incredibly proud to have secured this investment, especially in the current difficult investment climate.

“It demonstrates market recognition of our value proposition, successful track record and the innovative solutions we offer. This investment will provide the necessary fuel to accelerate our growth, strengthen our global reach and potentially expand into new verticals.”

Click here to read more about the investment.

3. IE Hub partners with Dukes to revolutionise the debt recovery sector

Next, a new partnership between IE Hub and Dukes aims to provide an even more comprehensive and seamless experience for consumers navigating the complexities of debt recovery. Dukes’ customers will now have access to the seamless functionality of IE Hub. 

This collaboration brings together the expertise of Dukes in debt recovery with the innovative technology of IE Hub. We are able to create an exceptional experience for consumers. With the integration of IE Hub, customers will be able to effortlessly share their Income and Expenditure information.  

Dylan Jones, IE Hub CEO says: 

“We are thrilled to join forces with Dukes. Both companies share a common commitment to providing a seamless customer journey for those affected by debt. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to support the debt recovery sector. We are excited about the positive impact it will have on outcomes for all parties.” 

Sarah Naylor, Sales Director says: 

“Central to our dedication to upholding ethical enforcement principles is our unwavering commitment to ensuring that our debtors’ repayment journey remains accessible, straightforward, and effortless. Our partnership with I&E Hub seamlessly aligns with this overarching goal, and we eagerly anticipate the continued collaboration.”

Click here to read more about the new partnership.

4. Wealthify’s Month in the Markets: May 2023

Next this week, Wealthify’s Investment team have provided a round-up of the latest month in the global markets.

The article takes a dive into: 

• Markets
• Currency
• Investment type performance breakdown
• Summary with Plan details

Click here to read the full insights from Wealthify’s Investment Team.

5. British Business Bank in Partnership with Development Bank and Women Angels of Wales

Last but not least this week, The British Business Bank has partnered with the Development Bank of Wales and Women Angels of Wales (WAW), the business angel investment syndicate for women.

The syndicate of over 30 women, led by lead investor Jill Jones, was set up in 2022 by the Development Bank of Wales, and will be jointly supported by the British Business Bank and the Development Bank of Wales.

WAW has been established to help support women in the early-stage investment community in Wales. As a syndicate, all deals can also have access to co-investment of up to £250,000 from the Development Bank’s £8 million Wales Angel Co-Investment Fund.

Susan Nightingale, Director for Devolved Nations for the British Business Bank, said:

“We believe that women angels have a critical role to play in supporting female entrepreneurship, which is why the Bank has been so keen to support Women Angels of Wales.

“Female representation in investor communities is directly correlated to investment in female led businesses and in 2021 only 6% of deals were led by all-female teams. We hope that the Bank’s funding and support will accelerate the growth of WAW, attract new female investors and work to rebalance the early-stage investment landscape in Wales.”

Click here to read more about the partnership. 

Until Next Time

That’s it for the FinTech Five this week. Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to join us fortnightly for more of the best content from across our FinTech Wales membership.