Our Fintech Accelerator Program
The only bank and credit union partnership accelerator for seed+ fintech founders scaling financial health solutions – equity-free, impact first, with demonstrated alumni success.
“CAFE is not just an accelerator—it’s a game-changer. While other programs exist, none rival the intentionality, strategic focus, and powerful access that CAFE provides. For a fintech like Prismm, gaining exposure to the right customer demographics is critical, and CAFE goes beyond expectations by placing you directly in front of banks and financial partners committed to your success.
The expertise of their industry leaders, membership in top associations, and the openness of their network and relationship capital propelled me and Prismm forward in truly spectacular ways. CAFE doesn’t just support your growth – they amplify it.”
Martha Underwood, Founder, Prismm
Support for Fintechs Ready to Scale
At CAFE, we recognize that scaling a fintech solution requires more than just funding – it takes strategic partnerships, industry credibility, and access to the right relationships and opportunities at the right time.
Our program offers a hands-on, immersive two-month experience where mission-driven founders gain direct exposure to financial institutions, regulators, and investors who are eager to collaborate.
With expert-led sessions, customer pitch opportunities, and a strong community of collaborative innovators, CAFE provides an opportunity for startups to accelerate growth, navigate complex industry landscapes, and drive meaningful financial outcomes.
Accelerator Program:
October 5th – November 20th
Fall 2026 Applications are now closed.
What Makes the CAFE Accelerator Unique
Unparalleled exposure
By the end of the two-month cohort, you’ll have engaged with over 40 financial services executives, investors, regulators, and other key changemakers – many of whom are ready to support and open their networks to you. And you’ll start building these relationships from Day 1 of our program.
Real-world coaching, not just pitch practice
We go beyond presentation skills to deliver actionable insights and hands-on support in critical areas like selling to financial institutions, regulatory compliance, AI and fintech applications, and risk management.
Equity-free, impact-centric support
We believe in the power of your technology to change lives, which is why our accelerator program does not dilute your company’s equity, allowing you to focus on what matters most: scaling your impact.
A track record of real results
Our accelerator participants have secured funding, forged strategic partnerships, and expanded their customer base through CAFE’s accelerator – proof that our approach drives tangible success in the fintech ecosystem.
Built by fintech insiders, for fintech founders
CAFE’s leadership and expert network include experienced fintech professionals who understand the unique challenges of scaling in this space and provide insights that go beyond surface-level advice.
Program Criteria
Eligibility Requirements:
- Technology company based in the United States,
- With a built product in-market,
- And an initial customer base (including selling to financial institutions);
- Employing a full-time founding team,
- With a product that improves people’s financial lives, especially low- to moderate- income (LMI) individuals.
- Founders must commit to 3 days in Newark, DE during the program.
Our Fall 2026 Cohort
Helps banks increase small business deposits with branded, build-free modern fintech that enables businesses to organize fragmented income, expenses, and operations, and better manage their businesses. Helps low- to moderate- income (LMI) owned small businesses demonstrate financial health, access capital, and other services.
Co-Founders: Felicite Moorman (CEO) & Ryan Buchert (CTO)
A college-affordability platform that helps students find and manage best-fit external scholarships while enabling financial institutions to support customers and communities with education-funding solutions. By helping close college funding gaps, Free Money Meister expands access to financial resources for LMI students and families.
Founder/CEO: Kiara Scott
Prevents AI-driven consumer fraud losses for financial institutions. By distinguishing fraudsters from legitimate applicants, Heka provides consumers with safer, more equitable access to financial services.
Co-Founders: Idan Bar-Dov (CEO) Daniel O’Donoghue (Chief of Staff)
Streamlines business onboarding, launches modern digital banking for commercial and retail customers, and helps banks grow deposits, all without requiring a core conversion. Offers technology for a critical part of the financial ecosystem: the community institutions that support local businesses and families across the country.
Co-Founders: Jorge Garcia (CEO) Claudia Bardales (Chief Product Officer)
Analyzes consumer complaint narratives and regulatory signals to help financial institutions identify emerging patterns of consumer harm, from overdraft spirals to credit reporting errors to unauthorized charges, faster. By surfacing these risk patterns earlier, institutions can remediate problems before they cascade, reducing financial damage to LMI consumers who are often first and hardest hit by compliance failures.
Co-Founders: Jim McCarthy (Chairman) & Asaf Buchner, CFA (CEO)
Helps financial institutions stop scams before money is lost by giving members instant, 24/7 guidance through text and email while equipping internal teams with real-time scam intelligence. Designed for accessibility and ease of use, SilverShield helps people at greatest risk recognize threats, avoid losses, and protect their financial well-being.
Alec Glassman (Founder/CEO) Vamsi Yechoor (CTO)
Precision AI that helps community financial institutions say yes to more commercial loans and grow through relationships. When communities have healthy financial systems, they go beyond!
Aaron Colcord (Founder/CEO)
Embed investing products directly into digital banking experiences, enabling people to start investing with as little as $1 and grow their accounts through everyday shopping rewards. We advance financial wellness by turning financial education into action and make wealth building accessible from the first dollar, using everyday shopping rewards to help members invest even when disposable income is limited.
Feli Oikonomopoulou (Founder/CEO)
The best way to stay updated about our Accelerator dates and other CAFE programs is to follow us on LinkedIn.
If you are interested in learning more about mentorship, financial sponsorships, or other partnership opportunities, email hello@ftcafe.org or reach out to our Head of Programs, Ryan Venderlic at ryan@ftcafe.org.
Upcoming Events
Our partners at the Delaware Technology Park GrowthStage Incubator are dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial success through a collaborative and innovative environment. Located in the Fintech Innovation Hub at the University of Delaware, GrowthStage Incubator provides services designed to support diverse business needs. Included in membership are innovative co-working spaces and private offices. Not only do members gain a physical workspace for their business, entrepreneurs are offered support, where companies can thrive through resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. GrowthStage is not just an incubator, it’s a vibrant hub for success!