Last week the Fintechmatters Roadshow, focusing on “connecting the european fintech ecosystems”, took place in Bergen, Norway. Swiss Fintech Innovations was also invited to present the Swiss ecosystem with the most important players in the market and the topics that are relevant in Switzerland.

The first day was about introducing different ecosystems, sharing and learning on open issues. In addition, Sparebanken Vest, one of the main sponsors of the event, presented its efforts and projects to anchor innovations in the company, to cooperate efficiently with start-ups and to present successes.

Finance Innovation, an association and innovation cluster of banks, financing companies, insurance companies, tech companies and educational and research institutions working on the financial services and solutions of tomorrow, presented how they work and how the various stakeholders are actively working to get the financial world in Bergen, Norway and then across borders on an innovative course. With important partners, such as various Norwegian banks and insurance companies, they have also managed to bring together all 4 large consulting firms, such as EY, deloitte, Accenture and PwC as well as Fintech start-ups and renowned schools, such as the NHH Norwegian School of Economics for the topic Fintech and to work towards the common goal.

Swiss Fintech Innovations was also able to present itself in this context as well as the relevant financial associations, accelerators, incubators and authorities of Switzerland. It was mainly about how Switzerland, as a non-EU country, develops its own themes, promotes themes similar to those of the EU and how, similar to Norway, the ecosystem functions in a small country and is strongly driven by cooperation. Cooperation and trust are the match-deciding guidelines to promote innovation on the part of companies, startups, associations and ultimately the people.

The second day belonged to the startups and gave them the chance to introduce themselves and share their visions from Austria to Norway. What were the difficulties on the way, what did they learn, what was the initial idea to start a startup.

SIGNICAT A startup that is focused on electronic identity and signatures
DEALFLOW is the first digital platform in Norway connecting entrepreneurs, growth companies and capital.
HANDCHEQUE – is a startup that is building a touchscreen credit card, in which you can merge your various bank cards, loyalty cards and more.
ARTIS BLOCKCHAIN says about themselves, that they are first blockchain designed to enable Sustainability starting with one-click payment and subscription.
DIGGECARD is focused on digital giftcards on a global basis
IDFY is a trust service such as electronic authentication, seals and signing for forward-thinking businesses

With the Fintechmatters Event in Norway, EPIPHANIC, an innovation & matchmaking agency from Vienna, Austria, has succeeded in organising an inspiring and very intensive conference that has enabled a trusting and instructive exchange. We were very happy to be part of it and are already looking forward to the Fintechmatters Summit November 22nd 2018 in Vienna.