Fintech50 explained and recognising Irish Fintech innovation. Julie Lake, FinTech50 founder

By @SimonCocking great interview with Julie Lake . For more information about entering your company see here and to attend the event itself October 26th, at Moores Auditorium, UCD book tickets here.  

Are you one of Ireland's best FinTech companies? FinTech20 Ireland 2017 Open for Entries https://t.co/GIJWLmjUhj #FinTech20Ireland pic.twitter.com/DELGYSHYsX

— Irish Tech News (@Irish_TechNews) September 19, 2017

What is your background briefly?

Generally being disruptive in sectors not usually receptive to change.

Does it seem like a logical background to what you do now?

Yes. I’m a consumer of financial services and have a clear vision of how I would like to engage with those services. Unfortunately, it’s not commercially available yet, but for now it’s enough to know that people are working hard to create it.

It's live: The FinTech50 2017 Yearbook, featuring this year's European '50', Hot Ten and the FT50 Hall of Fame https://t.co/b3AqaPoltp pic.twitter.com/ZKWxR7SwCs

— FinTech 50 (@TheFinTech50) July 19, 2017

1 min pitch for what you are doing now?

The FinTech50 was the first list worldwide to feature FinTech companies for their innovation rather than revenue. When we launched, back in 2012, we had 138 companies across Europe on our long list; now we have over 1500. Back then, the 50 was seen as a guide to a then emerging sector and now, people tell us, it’s a guide to quality within a super crowded one. Each year, we invite some of the biggest names in the sector to select their 50, so it is a great and importantly – free – opportunity for start-ups to get onto the radar of those who could make a difference to their business.

How have the last 12 months been for the Fintech50 initiative?

This year’s 50 had 100,000 views within its first week of release – three times last year’s total. Online hits and Twitter reach are not objectives in themselves, but it means that the companies listed are getting their story to a wide, global audience.

Why did you decide to partner up with Irish Tech News for the Fintech20 Ireland initiative?

Having launched FinTech20s in India and Hong Kong in 2016, we were delighted to collaborate with ITN and FinTech Ireland to recognise the fantastic innovation taking place across Ireland.

What are your plans for the future?

We’re launching a new global list next year – The Access to Finance50 – which will focus on FinTechs who are extending financial services to those who have no, or only limited, access to them. We already have a lot of interest.

What makes a great Fintech 50 / 20 company?

An authentic vision being brought to life by a fantastic team. The being brought to life aspect is the hard part and it is non negotiable.

How do you follow to stay up to date / for inspiration?

We do our own research throughout the year, but the inspiration always comes from meeting people who are building a business of real value for their people, investors and customers. The triple threat.

Where can people find out more about what you are working on?

On our site, thefintech50.com, on Twitter @Thefintech50 or get in touch by email. We promise not to spam your inbox, but we will invite you to our events. They’re free to attend, but invitation only.

How to communicate your business, John Murray shares insights at #Fintech20Ireland

If you would like to have your company featured in the Irish Tech News Business Showcase, get in contact with us at [email protected] or on Twitter: @SimonCocking