EP 622: This FinTech Accelerator Has Helped 60 Companies, Linking Industry with Startups with $17k Investment with Nektarios Liolios

In Episode #622, Nathan interviews Nektarios Liolios. He's the CEO and co-founder of Startup Bootcamp, Financial Technology, and Insurance Technology—the leading innovation program in the financial and insurance industry. They provide funding, mentorship, office space in the heart of London, Singapore, New York and Mumbai and access into their global network including investors and VCs, up to 10 folks, each time they do it.

Famous Five:

• Favorite Book? – The Lean Startup
• What CEO do you follow? – N/A
• Favorite online tool? — Slack
• Do you get 8 hours of sleep?— No
• If you could let your 20-year old self, know one thing, what would it be? – Nektarios wished that at 20, he would have known that he didn't know everything and to be less scared

Time Stamped Show Notes:

• 01:28 – Nathan introduces Nektarios to the show
• 02:08 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech is a network of accelerators
• • 02:17 – It is cohort-based
  • 02:24 – The programs are industry focused programs
• 02:58 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech has 400 companies that have graduated
• 03:12 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech was launched in January 2014
• 03:29 – Nektarios shares how Startup Bootcamp FinTech started
• • 03:56 – "To add real value, you need to be super sharp in your focus"
• 04:20 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech doesn't take investments, but they take equity
• • 04:30 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech takes 6% equity
• 05:52 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech has a variety of programs
• 06:35 – One of their teams is in Singapore
• 07:30 – Walnut Algorithms of France is part of their program
• • 07:47 – It was built thinking it would revolutionize the algorithm industry
• 07:57 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech usually works with pre-seed startups
• • 08:05 – Their products are not ready to launch yet
• 08:38 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech had 60 companies that are FinTech focused
• 08:52 – Buzzmove is one of the companies that have raised the most
• • 09:05 – It provides accurate data for home insurance
  • 09:25 – It is a data provider solution
  • 09:35 – It sells to insurance providers
• 09:54 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech programs are funded by the industry players
• 10:26 – Nektarios shares what drives their company
• 11:07 – Who will win, Betterment or Wealthfront?
• 11:49 – It is difficult for Nektarios to discern which company will succeed
• 12:25 – Nathan shares his interview with Andy of Wealthfront
• 12:58 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech is the only program with the global reach
• 13:08 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech offers every entrepreneur in the globe access to their network
• 13:24 – The Global Insurance Accelerator is their only competition
• 13:34 – Nektarios shares what he thinks of the insurance space
• • 13:58 – Insurance people are relevant to the industry
• 14:24 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech creates fund structure for every program
• 14:42 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech needs a minimum amount to run a program
• 15:05 – Every location of Startup Bootcamp FinTech has 5 people
• 15:53 – Startup Bootcamp FinTech isn't driven by a commercial perspective
• 17:40 – The Famous Five

3 Key Points:

• To add real value, you need to be razor sharp in your focus.
• Insurance space has so much potential to be a lucrative space—it's less crowded and there are so many problems to solve.
• Just go for it—take the consequences as it's going to be a ride.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Top Inbox – The site Nathan uses to schedule emails to be sent later, set reminders in inbox, track opens, and follow-up with email sequences
• Organifi – The juice was Nathan's life saver during his trip in Southeast Asia
• Klipfolio – Track your business performance across all departments for FREE
• Acuity Scheduling – Nathan uses Acuity to schedule his podcast interviews and appointments
• Host Gator – The site Nathan uses to buy his domain names and hosting for the cheapest price possible
• Audible – Nathan uses Audible when he's driving from Austin to San Antonio (1.5-hour drive) to listen to audio books
• Freshbooks – Nathan doesn't waste time so he uses Freshbooks to send out invoices and collect his money. Get your free month NOW
• Show Notes provided by Mallard Creatives