BMO and 1871 have announced the five companies selected to participate in the 2023 WMNfintech program, which is North America’s largest nonprofit fintech industry program for women-founded and women-led startups. The program aims to bridge the gender gap in the startup and tech community by providing women entrepreneurs with resources, support, and mentorship to accelerate their business growth and diversify their professional networks. Since its inception in 2018, the WMNfintech program has guided over 15 percent of all women fintech founders in North America.
The selected companies for the 2023 WMNfintech cohort are Finli, Liquid, Neofin, Physis, and Rightfoot. These women-led companies offer innovative solutions in areas such as financial technology, payment solutions, lending automation, impact investing, and consumer-permissioned data and payments. The program will provide them with a curriculum focused on enterprise sales, mentorship, access to investors and BMO partners, and a six-month membership to 1871.
BMO’s commitment to creating a powerful ecosystem for women founders is demonstrated through its support for WMNfintech alumni organizations, partnerships with industry conferences, and investments in fintech-focused funds. The program aligns with BMO’s commitment to inclusion and its digital-first operating mindset.
1871, as Chicago’s innovation hub and the top-ranked private business incubator globally, plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of startups and providing access to mentors, workshops, events, and other resources. The organization has been instrumental in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial community in the Chicagoland area.
The collaboration between BMO and 1871 in the WMNfintech program showcases their dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and creating a more inclusive and equitable future in the fintech industry.
