Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that the 7th edition of the Global Fast Track (GFT), 2024 is now open for applications until September 20. The programme is open to fintech companies globally and locally, offering opportunities to pitch their cases on international stages and benefit from mentorship and business matchmaking to unleash their potential. The global finalists of the GFT's pitching competition will compete in the grand finale at Hong Kong Fintech Week (HKFW). New features this year will further strengthen Hong Kong's position as the premier international fintech hub.

Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech and Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung, said, "The Global Fast Track has evolved into a fintech-friendly platform in the past few years. We have helped over 1,000 fintech companies from more than 50 economies to showcase their cutting-edge innovations and expedite their market entry in Hong Kong and beyond. We are thrilled to build on this success and continue to offer unparalleled access to a global network with more than 100 investor and corporate champions, mentors, and industry leaders through GFT 2024."

Mr Leung added, "With the introduction of new features this year, we aim to further unlock the true potential of innovation within the fintech industry and provide a springboard for groundbreaking solutions to make a transformative impact. I look forward to welcoming high-caliber applicants from around the world and the remarkable outcomes that will emerge from this programme."

New features for GFT 2024

1. Unparalleled networking opportunities

These include:

·ongoing one-on-one meetings facilitated by the GFT matchmaking platform;

·Founders Champions Night (new) - Successful homegrown champions of Hong Kong who have raised funds, been acquired or expanded internationally, will join an exclusive networking session with the GFT finalists;

·More international champions (new) -  champions such as investors and financial institutions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are onboarded to GFT to help facilitate two-way connectivity between the GCC region and Hong Kong; and    

·Investor Network Night (new) - companies can connect with key investor champions of the programme, setting the stage for them to showcase their potential growth and funding opportunities. 

2. Featured verticals for 2024

     In addition to the finTech and artificial intelligence tracks that have been a mainstay of GFT, the 2024 edition will introduce three new verticals: ESG/Green Fintech, Blockchain, and Insurance/HealthTech. This expansion aligns with the evolving landscape and emerging trends in the financial services industry.

     This year, semi-finalists of each track will be invited to Hong Kong to pitch in person on stage during HKFW, with the grand finale taking place on the second day. This is an unparalleled opportunity for qualified fintech innovators to showcase their profile in front of audiences numbering in the thousands, key corporates and investors looking for fintech solutions and investment opportunities. Previous winners have come from around the world including Canada, France, Israel, Mainland China, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

     InvestHK is excited to work alongside Finoverse, the appointed co-organiser of GFT 2024, to scale the programme to new heights. For details of the entire programme of GFT 2024 and the application process, please visit here.