Our Fintech Accelerator Program
Supercharge your startup’s growth and impact with our game-changing fintech accelerator.
“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
An Accelerator 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 opportunities at the right time.
Our accelerator 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 like-minded innovators, CAFE provides a scaling opportunity for startups to accelerate growth, navigate complex industry landscapes, and drive meaningful financial inclusion.
Our Spring 2025 Fintech Accelerator program was presented by our premier sponsor, Best Egg.
Next Cohort Dates: September 29 – November 21, 2025
Fall 2025 Program: 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 bank 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 charges no fee and takes no 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 advances the financial wellness of low- to moderate- income (LMI) individuals.
- Founders must commit to 3 days in Newark, DE during the program.
Our Fall 2025 Cohort
A behavioral intelligence platform that helps financial professionals deliver emotionally intelligent, personalized guidance by embedding client psychological insight into existing workflows. Our product strives to deliver financial solutions that build trust and increase the adoption of financial advice delivered to LMI individuals.
Nick Ashburn (Founder/CEO) & Moraya Seeger DeGeare (Chief Clinical Strategist)
Provides infrastructure for lenders & creditors to effortlessly report SMB credit to all major business credit bureaus, ensuring compliance, reducing delinquencies, and unlocking access to valuable consortium data. Reliable, transparent credit building is vital for LMI entrepreneurs—we report their repayment data to help them graduate to more favorable financial products to unlock the capital needed to grow their business.
Henry Magun (Founder & CEO)
A global payment network that enables traditional banks to make cross-border payments instantly, affordably, and securely. With direct connections in 150+ countries and 70+ currencies, we help financial institutions via our white-label platform deliver faster, lower-cost payouts to bank accounts, mobile wallets, and cash pickups—driving financial inclusion and business growth worldwide.
Yamini Sagar (Founder & CEO)
Helps banks and credit unions originate and underwrite small business loans 10X faster. AI agents act as force multipliers for loan officers, sales, and credit teams, automating 90% of tedious tasks to help them streamline workflows, scale efficiently, and expand access to capital for small businesses and LMI communities.
Co-Founders: Utsav Shah (CEO) & Shivi Sharma (President)
AI-powered financial coaching platform that creates personalized money plans and connects users to a supportive community for shared accountability. By partnering with organizations, colleges, and nonprofits, we help young adults take real financial actions, build healthy habits, and achieve long-term financial stability.
Alisha Chowdhury (Founder/CEO)
Enables financial institutions to provide branch-like services through an AI-powered virtual branch platform. Using video banking, e-signatures, facial recognition, and document verification breaks barriers of geography and infrastructure, making banking more accessible, affordable, and inclusive for everyone, anywhere.
Charles Oligbo (Founder/CEO) & Victor Adetiba (VP Innovation & Strategy)
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 Managing Director Kristen Castell at kristen@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!