LendIt and 500 Startups Partner on PitchIt 2017 to Identify Fintech's Next Stars

NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- LendIt, the world's largest show in lending and fintech, today announced its partnership with 500 Startups for PitchIt 2017, a leading global competition for fintech startups who can earn mentorship, endorsement and exposure to leading institutions, investors & press. Online applications also officially opened to qualifying fintech startups.

This year's competition is slated to see hundreds of applicants all vying for a prestigious spot in the finals, and a chance to present on the keynote stage in front of thousands of members and high ranking executives from the fintech industry. This year's Exclusive PitchIt Partner will be global venture capital fund 500 Startups, the world leader in investing in and mentoring early-stage fintech startups. The finalists will present to a panel of expert judges and thousands of conference attendees at LendIt USA on March 6, 2017 in New York City.

PitchIt @ LendIt attracts hundreds of investors, asset managers, funds and entrepreneurs, bringing together a community of influencers in the lending marketplace. To apply to PitchIt 2017, firms must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a fintech company
• Two or more full-time co-founders/employees
• 2-10 full-time employees
• Less than 3 years in business (companies founded before 2014 not eligible)
• Raised less than 4 million USD since launch date
• Must have a professional business website
• Everyone registering on behalf of a specific company must have an email with that company's domain

"Innovation has never been more important for the Financial Services industry," said Jason Jones, Co-Founder of LendIt. "PitchIt gives startups with fresh, important new ideas a valuable chance to build and grow their firms. Even as the fintech industry matures, we are seeing exciting areas of breakout opportunities which we look forward to discussing and experiencing at LendIt USA 2017. We are honored to partner with 500 Startups, a brand synonymous with global innovation and the startup culture, to grow PitchIt and help fuel innovation in fintech."

Any company that applies for PitchIt and fits the criteria automatically qualifies for our startup ticket pricing of only $295 per ticket.  Also, prior to the event, shortlisted companies will receive coaching from 500 Startups as well as industry leaders and other mentors. Eight selected finalists will receive a free all-access pass to attend the entire LendIt USA conference, up to $1,000 for travel to PitchIt, and a 50% discount Startup Zone booths. The overall PitchIt winner will receive a Bronze level sponsorship to future LendIt events, promotion and media support.

"LendIt has a proven track-record of bringing together thought leaders and decision makers from across financial services and fintech ecosystems," said Sheel Mohnot, General Partner of 500 FinTech, 500 Startups' global FinTech/InsureTech fund. "We're thrilled to be working with Lendit's extraordinary team, partners and sponsors on the PitchIt program to highlight startups from around the world who are poised to transform the financial services industry."

About LendIt
LendIt is the world's largest event series dedicated to connecting the fintech and lending community. Our conferences bring together the leading lending platforms, investors, and service providers in our industry for unparalleled educational, networking, and business development opportunities.

LendIt hosts three conferences annually: our flagship conference LendIt USA as well as LendIt Europe in London and LendIt China in Shanghai. LendIt USA 2017 will be held in New York from March 6 - 7. Learn more at http://www.lendit.com/.

About 500 Startups
500 Startups is a global venture capital seed fund and startup accelerator based in Silicon Valley with over $270M in assets under management and more than 1500 investments globally. With over 150 FinTech investments in more than 20 countries, including CreditKarma, RealtyShares, Simple (acquired by BBVA), and Stripe, CB Insights recognized 500 as the world's most active early-stage FinTech investor. 

Announced in January 2016, 500 FinTech, our $50M FinTech/InsurTech seed fund, accelerator, and corporate partner program scales up 500 Startups' commitment to fostering the digital transformation of the Financial Services industry and the growth of "Financial Services for the Rest of Us."

Media Contact:
Melissa Barto
JCUTLER media group
[email protected]

SOURCE LendIt

Related Links

http://www.lendit.com