Techstars and NatWest are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the UK’s status as Europe’s leading hub for Fintech and AI innovation. This collaboration will kick off with a two-day training program in September, designed to support AI and Fintech founders in building scalable, globally competitive companies in the UK.

The UK boasts a thriving tech ecosystem valued at $1.2 trillion* and is home to over 2,300 VC-backed AI companies.** However, despite the UK's strong reputation among AI and Fintech leaders for establishing companies, many founders report challenges in growing, scaling, or exiting their ventures. This partnership seeks to address these barriers by providing founders with essential knowledge and invaluable networks at critical growth stages, ensuring that technology companies are empowered to grow and scale in the UK.

Emily Fallon, Regional Director at the NatWest Group Accelerator, said:

“The UK has a well-deserved reputation as a start-up hub, but founders – particularly those in high-growth industries like AI and Fintech – often face some of their greatest challenges when scaling up. For these entrepreneurs, access to guidance, knowledge, and networks is invaluable in taking their businesses to the next level.

“As Britain’s biggest business bank, we want to ensure that entrepreneurs are supported to build scalable, globally competitive companies right here in the UK. By bringing our Accelerator community together with Techstars’ network, we’re enabling companies to share knowledge, make vital connections, and take bold steps towards growth.”

Katie Smith, Head of Startup Community at Techstars, added:

“This program provides a unique opportunity for founders to connect directly with decision-makers and access the resources necessary for scaling their businesses. By the end of the two-day event, participants will leave with actionable next steps, strategic clarity, and the right relationships to propel their growth.”

The Community Development Studio: Fintech & AI will take place on September 18–19, 2025, at NatWest Moorgate, London. The initiative is designed to support founders with the knowledge and networks needed at critical growth stages, to keep more high-growth innovation rooted in the UK.

Founders will benefit from:

• Strategic networking between founders and NatWest leaders, mentors, and ecosystem experts

• Topical roundtables and expert-led workshops on go-to-market strategy, enterprise sales, AI adoption, and financial services partnerships

• Support to access NatWest and Techstars’ accelerators and innovation pathways

The programme will culminate in the Innovation Market Square Mixer, a specially curated networking event for founders, investors, and ecosystem builders. This evening gathering will celebrate emerging talent and foster meaningful commercial connections.

Attendance to the Community Development Studio is by invitation and approval only. Founders interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to communityprograms@techstars.com.

About Techstars

Techstars helps founders succeed. Through global accelerators, we invest in early-stage startups led by founders building a better future. We leverage a powerful network of mentors, partners, and alumni to help entrepreneurs grow and scale. Since 2006, we’ve invested in over 3,700 companies, including Chainalysis, Zipline, DataRobot, and Alloy.

About NatWest Group

NatWest Group is a relationship bank for a digital world. We champion potential; breaking down barriers and building financial confidence so the 19 million people, families and businesses we serve in communities throughout the UK and Ireland can rebuild and thrive. If our customers succeed, so will we. The NatWest Group Accelerator is our thriving community for entrepreneurs providing a range of support to enable business growth. Underpinned by our NatWest Accelerator app, it empowers entrepreneurs to grow their businesses wherever they need it, virtually or at one of our 12 physical hubs across the UK. Join the UK’s largest community of entrepreneurs today at https://www.acceleratornatwest.com/signup/N9n5pB

*Source: Tech Nation Report 2025: https://report.technation.io/

**Source: Tech Nation UK AI Sector Spotlight 2025: https://technation.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/The-Tech-Nation-UK-AI-Sector-Spotlight-2025.pdf

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