Fintech Activate

Pre-accelerator programme

A short, action-focused programme designed to help founders validate financial technology concepts

Build smart. Launch fast.

Welcome to your startup launchpad. Fintech Activate is your 10 week pre-accelerator for founders with a fintech idea who want to find out whether it has real traction. Each week you’ll do something real: talk to customers, test an assumption, build a prototype with AI tools and connect with New Zealand’s fintech ecosystem.

We’re looking for NZ based solo founders or teams of 2-3 who are at the idea stage. No startup or finance background required, just real insight into the problem and a willingness to talk to customers.

This programme is FREE (valued at $5,000 per participant) thanks to support from Wellington NZ and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Over 10 weeks, Fintech Activate takes place in a hybrid format with flexible online sessions – so you can join from anywhere in Aotearoa.

Key dates

2 September: Applications close

14 September: Teams selected and notified

24 September: Kick-off event. In-person, full day in Wellington

28 September – 4 December: Programme dates

“It gave us validation and confidence in our idea by testing it with experts and peers, confirming there is real potential and demand for a halal, ethical fintech solution.”
– Sadia Islam of Nashrr

– Previous Fintech Activate alumni

What is fintech?

Fintech means using technology to create better ways for people and businesses to manage money. From tools that help people pay, save, borrow, invest or get insured – to tech that helps financial institutions work smarter. We see Fintech as a space full of opportunities.

You are fintech if you are building any of these:

Payments & money movement
Credit and lending
Saving and investing
Insurance
Financial crime & compliance
Financial inclusion
Blockchain and crypto
Anything that helps people the current system does not serve well.

If you think you might be fintech-adjacent, apply. We’d love to kōrero.

Apply here

Numbers talk

NZ fintech earned $2.64B last year and grew 32% – the fastest-growing part of our tech economy.

Every one of those companies started where you are now.

Here’s what you’ll get

1. Learn foundations of entrepreneurship: Translate your idea and develop a clear, actionable roadmap.

2. Validate your market before you build: Complete hands-on customer discovery and market mapping so you know your solution meets real demand.

3. Weekly workshops: With Creative HQ’s innovation specialists and expert guests, including the FMA compliance and NZ Fintech Fund.

4. Templates that work: Lean Canvas, interview scripts, persona and problem canvases, all built and refined on previous cohorts.

5. AI from day one: Tools, tutorials and prompts that let you research, test and prototype in real-time.

6. Cohort connection: Make connections with fellow Fintech founders to share knowledge, challenges and wins long after the programme.

7. Flexible, founder-friendly format: Benefit from hybrid delivery with an in-person kick-off, weekly online sessions and ongoing support.

Founders who started here

Both came trough Fintech Activate at the idea stage. Both went on to Fintech Lab and pitched at the Fintech Festival in front of investors, regulators and the Mayor of Wellington.

Rebit

Rebit Money Transfer has been built to offer a secure, seamless platform for communities to transfer cross-border funds at a low cost. They started here at Creative HQ through Fintech Activate, then went on to succeed through Fintech Lab 2025.

ALYRT

New Zealand’s tax debt sits around $9 billion and liquidations recently hit a decade high. Most of those business owners did not see it coming because the numbers arrived too late to act on. ALYRT is solving that – helping small business owners see their cash position while they can still do something about it.

What is Fintech Activate?

A 10-week programme for idea-stage fintech founders to validate their idea, build an MVP (minimum viable product) and plug into NZ’s fintech ecosystem. You’ll leave ready for accelerators or early-stage funding.

Who is eligible to apply?

Solo founders or small teams (2–3 people) in New Zealand, pre-product and pre-revenue. No prior startup experience is required – just commitment and curiosity.

What is the time commitment?

Roughly 12-15 hours per week total, expect 2 hours of scheduled sessions and 10 hours of your own work. This includes live workshops, peer group sessions, interviews and building your prototype. Sessions run inside business hours. Everything else is yours to schedule, and most founders do it alongside a full-time job.

How much does it cost?

Participation is completely free but we recommend you have a small amount of money to pay for AI tools to help you on your journey.

What is the programme format?

Hybrid, online format. You’ll only need to be in Wellington for the kick-off on 24 September; everything else is online. If you’re outside Wellington, you’ll need to cover your own travel and accommodation for that day.

What support will I get?

Structured curriculum (idea validation, MVP, compliance, funding and pitching)
Toolkits, templates and AI tutorials
Guest speakers and expert mentors
Peer squads for accountability
Optional Wellington desk space

What happens after the programme, or if I’m not selected?

You’ll join our alumni network. Some carry on toward the Fintech Lab, a first customer or early-stage funding. If you’re not selected, we’ll let you know why and give you constructive feedback — with limited spots, it’s often about where you’re at rather than the idea itself.