Application Deadline: September 20, 2024
AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong

Global
Fast Track’24

Win a Trip to pitch at Hong Kong FinTech Week.
Apply now to meet with 100+ investors and corporate clients in Hong Kong, Asia and beyond.
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Asia and Beyond

The 7th edition of Global Fast Track is here! Our programme aims to support FinTech companies to expand and grow in Asia through Hong Kong - the premier business hub that connects to the world.

With Global Fast Track, you’ll gain direct access to pitch on international stages, take part in powerful business matchmaking, benefit from mentorship, and strategic partnerships with 35,000+ FinTech leaders.

Join the 1000+ companies from 50 countries that have successfully expanded with our support. Applications are now closed for Global Fast Track 2024.

Ready to Become the Next Unicorn with Our 2024 Programme?

Join 500+ of the world's top FinTech startups
Get an opportunity to meet with 100+ Investors and Corporates
Win a chance to pitch on the Hong Kong FinTech Week stage
Secure a complimentary physical exhibition booth for 50 semi-finalists
Complimentary virtual booth for the top 150 FinTechs
Enjoy travel reimbursement up to USD1000 for 50 semi-finalists
Receive complimentary passes to the HK FinTech Week main conference
Arrange one-on-one meetings via our matchmaking platform
Join the GFT alumni community

Global Connect Soft-landing Programme

This year we are partnering with Hong Kong Science Park's Global Connect Soft Landing Programme. Are you prepared to expand your business in Asia? Look no further! HKSTP's exclusive 1 year programme is tailor-made for Global Connect Members with plans for business expansion in Asia. As shortlisted applicants, you will be pitching on stage during HKFTW and win a chance to receive subsidies and comprehensive startup support, allowing you to remotely test the Hong Kong market.

What will the soft-landing programme give you?
  • Up to HK$100,000 financial grant 
  • Co-working space access  
  • Investment / Business Matching 
  • Training and coaching
  • 1-on-1 consultation for business setup in HK 
  • Networking

Explore the Global Fast Track Categories

Semi-finalists of each track will earn a spot to pitch on the global stage of Hong Kong FinTech Week

FinTech
  • WealthTech
  • RegTech
  • Payments
  • Banking Innovation
  • SaaS
  • Capital Markets
  • InvestTech
Artificial Intelligence
  • Generative AI
  • Big Data & Machine Learning
  • AI for Sustainability
  • Robotics
  • Cloud Computing
  • Voice Recognition
ESG/Green FinTech
  • Tokenization
  • ImpactTech
  • GreenFinTech
Blockchain
  • Web3
  • Digital Assets
  • NFT
  • Infrastructure
  • Smart Contracts
Insurance/ HealthTech
  • InsurTech
  • Data Security
  • Mobile Health Apps
  • Smart Devices/Wearable Technology

Timeline

June 3 – September 20
Application Period
September 27
Announcement of the 2024 shortlisted participants
October 28
GFT Semi-final at Hong Kong FinTech Week’s Main Conference
October 29
GFT Grand Finale at Hong Kong FinTech Week’s Main Conference
Onwards
GFT 1-2-1 meetings, matchmaking on platform, Alumni activities

Dive into GFT Alumni Success Stories

Language AI solution company Fano Labs, winner of 2021 Global Fast Track programme, has recently announced Series B funding led by Openspace Ventures.

What our Alumni say

Champion
Startup
Startup
“An excellent incubator to enable start-ups and fintech cluster companies to showcase their creative work and share their visions.”
“Venturing into a new market
like we are doing can be quite overwhelming – and joining your program makes the start of our journey as smooth as possible.”
“It provides great opportunities for overseas start-ups to get exposure to key corporate clients and investors across Asia.”

Leverage Global Fast Track’s Extensive Network

Benefit from a vast network of Champions, including corporates eager for innovative solutions, investors on the lookout for groundbreaking ideas, and service providers ready to offer expert advice, guidance, and reliable partnerships.

These seasoned professionals also serve as mentors and pitch judges, providing invaluable guidance and insights to emerging entrepreneurs.

What Corporates You Can Expect To Meet

2024 Corporate Champions

Over 80% of our Champions are the drivers of major FinTech innovations in Hong Kong. They cover a wide range of sectors that go from banking to logistics. These Corporate Champions seek direct and valuable solutions, co-creation opportunities, and may also have investment interests.

What Investors You Can Expect To Meet

2024 Investor Champions

Investor Champions are mainly angels, VCs, corporate venture arms, accelerators and family offices.

They are sharing interest towards different steps of the growth process, from early-stage companies to Serie D and further. Note that Investment is not guaranteed as part of this Programme.

What Service Providers You Can Expect To Meet

2024 Service Champions

2024 Service Champions span a broad range of sectors such as cloud computing, legal services, marketing, and more. They are experts of the region's landscape and can provide advice along with on-the-ground partnership for growth in Hong Kong and Asia.

Meet Our 2023 Finalists

Timeless Investments
Berlin, Germany
Oxford Risk
London, UK
HBH
Tel Aviv, Israel
Houdini Swap
Toronto, Canada
Libertify
Paris, France
Aasaan Will
Bangalore, India
UpPass
Bangkok, Thailand
Oceanpayment
Shenzhen, China
Trade X
Dubai, UAE
Bizbaz
Singapore
Bilby
Hong Kong, China
Staple
Virtual
Markaaz
New York, USA

Programme FAQ

Can’t find the answer in FAQ?
You can reach out to us and our team will get back to you as soon as possible

What are the programme elements?

Global Fast Track 2024 is a flexible, hybrid programme involving 1-2-1 meetings, a pitching competition in person at Hong Kong FinTech Week, and consultations with government, regulators and mentors to develop your market entry and growth strategy.

Is there any participation fee?

There is no participation fee for the Global Fast Track.

Are there any eligibility criteria?

For matchmaking, we are looking for FinTechs with existing solutions that fit our featured tracks for 2024. Companies should have an existing product or solution, and be able to demonstrate some traction in your home market, be that through acquired customers/clients, revenue generated, or investment received. This information will need to be provided on the application form.

For the Global Fast Track Competition, companies must:
- Have an operational product that fits into our featured tracks
- Have at least USD250,000 in annual recurring revenue or have secured the same amount in investment
- Be considering expansion into Asia as part of their next 18-24 month roadmap

What is the structure of the Global Fast Track Pitching Competition?
Do I need to travel to Hong Kong?

Overall, Global Fast Track 2024 is a hybrid programme, meaning you can apply and participate in the majority of activities from anywhere in the world. 

However, for the pitching competition, the semi-finalists from each track will be invited to pitch in person onstage at the Hong Kong FinTech Week on October 28. The Grand Finale will be held on October 29 and the winner of each vertical will be announced onsite.

Who are the Corporate, Investor and Service Champions?

We work with large Hong Kong corporates in a range of sectors looking for financial technology to improve their business and actively engaging with scaling FinTech companies. We also work with different Investors, from VCs to family offices, all with other portfolios and investment criteria, who have an interest in investing in FinTech. Service Champions provide services and infrastructure to support companies’ growth in the region. They can offer support and advice to help you achieve your business aims in Hong Kong and Asia.

How are 1-2-1 meetings organised?

The 1-2-1 matchmaking part of the programme is open to all qualified applicants anywhere in the world, whether you are participating in the pitching competition or not. Matches are made based on our Corporate Champions’ requirements for the types of solutions or companies they are looking for. We evaluate and screen all applicant companies and make recommendations to our Champions based on their needs. Participating FinTechs can also express an interest in Champions, and Champions can choose to act on those expressions of interest accordingly. There is no guaranteed number of meetings per participant, as the meetings are driven by business needs.

Got more questions?

Feel free to reach out to Hannah Rea Richardson, Head of Global Ventures, Finoverse at [email protected]

Give your business the growth it deserves.
Apply now to secure your spot.