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FinovateSpring
May 7-9, 2025
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and MarinaSan Diego, CA

Sustainability & Inclusion Scholarship Program

Supporting the fintech that supports our world

Spotlighting underrepresented founders and startups tackling climate change, diversity, and financial inclusion.

Sustainable & inclusive fintech

As the world’s leading fintech demo event, Finovate has shown first-hand the power fintech has to drive change, and that includes social and environmental changes.

Leading companies and brands are championing financial inclusion, diversity, and sustainability to drive the change they want to see in the world.

That’s why we introduced a scholarship prgoram: To highlight and help the individuals and companies driving fintech forward through sustainable and equitable practices.

Selected for FinovateSpring 2024, Yaryna Hotlib, CEO of GetGrant.

Scholarship Program

With our demo scholarship program, Finovate spotlights underrepresented founders and startups tackling climate change, diversity, and financial inclusion.

The program helps us expand our demo line ups to include more voices, more perspectives, and more cutting-edge thinking within fintech, which is an incredibly important initiative. Remynt's CEO & Founder, Gwenyth Borden, joined us in 2024.

Five scholarship opportunities

At each event, we select companies for these scholarships, granting them complimentary demo participation. Interested companies should apply through the application form above when available.

To apply for these scholarships, fintech and tech companies must have less than $7M USD in funding. All distribution channels (B2B, B2C, B2B2C) are considered.

Environmental

Available to companies pursuing climate-related, environmental, or green fintech

Social

Available to companies with socially conscious fintech solutions

Selected for 2024: Endaoment, GetGrant, and Quinn

Governance

Available to companies that emphasize responsible governance and leadership

Selected for 2024: Blee

BIPOC Founded/Owned

Available to companies with BIPOC founders or owners

Selected for 2024: Remynt

Female Founded/Owned

Available to companies with female founders or owners

Selected for 2024: Instarails, Kobalt Labs, LiquidTrust, Nav.it, and Parlay Protocol

Scholarship demo package

Companies selected for these scholarships will be granted complimentary demo participation and join the marketing campaign for scholarship selection.

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Demo

  • 7 minute demo on the main stage during the general session (single track)
  • Physical demo stand in the exhibition hall on the day of your demo (includes monitor, internet and power)
  • Two passes for your speakers to the event
  • 50% discounted passes for your contacts and colleagues
  • 20% discounted passes for your followers
  • 30-minute one-on-one coaching for demo skills and format with Greg Palmer
  • 10-minute demo rehearsal at the venue on the day before the event
  • Chance to win the coveted Best of Show award

Frequently asked questions

When will we know if our application has been selected for a scholarship?

We'll review applications on a rolling basis. At the latest, we'll confirm selection status within 30 days of receiving your application.

When is the application deadline?

Please apply early! We'll review applications for scholarships on a rolling basis.

If you apply for a scholarship that is no longer available or are not selected for your desired scholarship, we can still consider your application for a traditional demo if you'd like us to.

Is a scholarship demo different to a traditional demo?

Scholarship demos will receive the traditional demo package. In addition, they will also receive marketing and branding as part of the scholarship program and recognition.

If we've already been selected for a traditional demo, can we still apply for the scholarship?

Unfortunately, no. Only applications specifically for the scholarships will be considered.

Can a scholarship demo win Best of Show?

Yes, all demos are included in Best of Show voting. Here's more information on how the audience determines Best of Show.

Can we apply for a scholarship for more than one event?

Unfortunately, no. This program aims to give exposure to as many startups as possible. Companies will only receive a scholarship once.

My company doesn’t fit your scholarship categories, but I still believe our initiative is a worthy cause.

We'll evaluate scholarship categories on an annual basis. Please reach out explaining what you are focused on and why you think it warrants inclusion in our scholarship program.